The 5th edition of the Ngelel-Tarit Kids and Elderly Race is set to take place on December 12, 2024, at Kipsinende Primary School in Uasin Gishu County, with preparations already in full swing.
This exciting event provides a unique opportunity for young
athletes to showcase their potential while also encouraging active
participation from the elderly, fostering intergenerational engagement. The
race serves as a platform for children to discover and nurture their athletic
talents, contributing to their physical, mental, and emotional development.
Richard Metto, the Race Director, highlighted the event’s
origin and its broader goals: "We initiated this race after recognizing
that many children are often idle during the holidays, and this event offers
them a productive way to stay active. It also provides a valuable opportunity
for them to begin developing their athletic skills early on," Metto
explained.
In addition to free
registration, participants will have the chance to win prizes and benefit from
a medical camp.
The race is part of Athletics Kenya's (AK) ongoing
commitment to supporting youth athletics and fostering talent development from
an early age. As a key event on the Athletics Kenya calendar, it reflects the
federation’s focus on creating opportunities for young athletes to excel.
Barnaba Korir, AK’s Youth Development Director, emphasized
the significance of nurturing talent in children. "Kids Athletics is a
vital breeding ground for future champions, and by investing in events like
this, we ensure that children are equipped with the skills, discipline, and
mindset necessary to succeed at higher levels of competition."
Korir further noted
that AK's support for youth training camps across the country is an essential
step in maintaining Kenya’s legacy as a global leader in athletics.
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| Kids line-up for the Ngelel-Tarit Kids athletics last year |
The Ngelel-Tarit Kids Race has three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, who serves as the event's ambassador. Kipyegon, who started her athletic journey in school, continues to inspire a new generation of athletes with her achievements, proving that early involvement in sports can lead to outstanding success on the world stage.
The race will feature multiple categories, catering to a
wide range of age groups:
- 200m
for 5-8 Years Boys/Girls
- 1km
for 9-12 Years Boys/Girls
- 1km
for 40-50 Years Women
- 1km
for 45-55 Years Men
- 500m
for 51 Years & Above Women
- 500m
for 56 Years & Above Men
- 2km
for 13-15 Years Boys/Girls
- 4km
for 16-19 Years Girls
- 6km
for 16-19 Years Boys
Early participation in sports fosters discipline, teamwork,
and a sense of personal achievement, which are invaluable life skills. In the
context of athletics, it also helps children build resilience, improve their
fitness, and develop a passion for sports.
