The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run was an unforgettable event, bringing together young athletes to showcase their impressive talents across various categories. Children from all backgrounds participated enthusiastically, demonstrating their speed, stamina, and potential on the track. It was a vibrant display of athleticism, marking a significant moment for the future of athletics.
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| Race Patron Hon.Farouk Kibet |
The race, which has quickly become a key event on the athletic calendar, is the brainchild of Patron Hon. Farouk Kibet, who initiated it as a platform for both talent development and the support of education for young athletes. With a strong belief in the power of sports to shape future leaders, Hon. Kibet envisioned a race that would not only discover and nurture athletic talent but also provide opportunities for the children to further their education.
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| Deputy President H.E Kithure Kindiki taking part in the patron's race at Chepsaita Cross Country. |
The event was graced by the Deputy President of Kenya, H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who congratulated the Patron for theming the race around education. “When you have an educated person who is a talent holder, it cannot be compared to a talent holder who doesn't have an education. I want to thank Farouk, the patron of this run, for theming it around education, and it's a big challenge for the government,” Prof. Kindiki said, emphasizing the importance of combining athletics with academic excellence.
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| Girls battling for victory |
The event also received international recognition, with Kalkaba Malboum, the President of the African Athletics Confederation, congratulating the event organizers for hosting such a well-executed race. “This is a wonderful initiative. It gives young athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage,” he said. Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei expressed AK’s commitment to supporting young talents. “Athletics Kenya is dedicated to nurturing and supporting the next generation of athletes, and this event is a perfect example of how we can work together to bring more opportunities to our youth,” Tuwei stated.
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| Spectators cheering kids during the race at Chepsaita cross country |
Barnabas Korir, AK's Youth Development Director, was also impressed by the large turnout, noting that it reflected the growing demand for such platforms. “The overwhelming participation in this event shows that our kids are ready for more opportunities to showcase their talent. We are delighted by the performances today, and we believe this will inspire even more young athletes,” Korir said.
The event also attracted several renowned athletes, including world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, three-time Olympic champion Faith Kiyegon, former world Javelin champion Julius Yego, former Olympic 3000m sc Conseslus Kipruto, marathoner Amos Kipruto, former world 800m champion Janet Jepkosgei, and many other notable figures in Kenyan athletics.
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| Kids taking part in their respective race category |
Their presence was a huge motivation for the young runners. “We are here today to show the kids that their dreams are valid. With hard work and dedication, they can achieve greatness, just like us,” said Kipchoge, encouraging the young athletes to pursue both their education and athletic dreams.
In addition to the elite races, the Chepsaita Cross Country Run featured a range of categories for younger athletes, providing a platform for kids of all ages to compete and showcase their talents. The diversity of the event reflected its broad appeal, with categories for children as young as 5 years old, all the way up to 15-year-olds. This inclusive approach was praised for giving every child the opportunity to participate and potentially be discovered, regardless of their age or experience level.
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| World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge (0001) and Cabinet Secretaries watching kids compete at Chepsaita Cross Country Run |
The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of youth, talent, and the power of education. It was an event that not only discovered future champions but also provided the tools and resources for these young athletes to succeed in both their academic and athletic pursuits. With the support of the Kenyan government, Athletics Kenya, and some of the country's most accomplished athletes, the Chepsaita Cross Country Run is poised to continue growing and nurturing the next generation of stars.
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| AK Youth Development Director Barnabas Korir with Competitions Director Kennedy Tanui |
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| AK president Lt.Gen.Rtd.Jack Tuwei, Sports Cs Kipchumba Murkomen, Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon and Turbo Mp Hon.Janet Sitienei |
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| Top athletes Abraham Kibiwot, Conseslus Kipruto, Julius Yego and Amos Kipruto impressed by a kid who won a prize after competing in the race. |
