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| Young runners taking part at the Chepsaita Cross Country Run 2024 |
There was a vibrant and competitive atmosphere at the 2nd edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country in Uasin Gishu County, with over 10,000 participants registering for the global event.
The massive turnout highlighted the eagerness of upcoming athletes to showcase their skills and compete against peers, marking the race as a crucial platform for nurturing emerging talent.
In the 4km girls' category, Caren Chepng’eno emerged victorious, outpacing a strong field of competitors. The 15-year-old Form One student at Tiloa Girls in Kuresoi, Nakuru County, demonstrated her determination and preparation, having trained diligently at home.
Chepng’eno’s victory was particularly meaningful after finishing 16th in last year’s edition. Motivated by her elder sister, Chepkurui, the 2021 World Under-20 champion in the 1500m race, she said her aim was to prove her potential on the track.
“I wanted to prove my potential after coming 16th in last year’s Chepsaita race. My elder sister, Chepkurui, has always been my motivation in running,” Chepng’eno shared.
She is now setting her sights on upcoming track events, eager to see how her body adapts to different challenges. Her story is a testament to the value of hard work, persistence, and having a role model to look up to in sports.
Balancing her passion for athletics with academics, Chepng’eno expressed her commitment to excelling in both areas. “My goal is to do well both in sports and also in class,” she said, acknowledging the delicate balance required to achieve success in both fields.
With her victory at Chepsaita and her resolve to continue training, Chepng’eno is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in the world of athletics.
The Great Chepsaita Cross Country continues to serve as a significant inspiration and stepping stone for young athletes, with many crediting the event for igniting their passion for running.
Among them is Ebra Chebet, who expressed her delight at making it to the podium. Training in the Chepsaita area, known for its high altitude and challenging terrain, has given her a competitive edge.
Chebet shared that she draws immense inspiration from Faith Kipyegon, whose success motivates her to believe in the possibility of achieving her dreams.
“Since the launch of the Chepsaita cross-country race, it has motivated many young athletes here to start training,” Chebet said.
She emphasized the positive impact of the race on the local community and her hopes for a successful career in athletics, citing its potential as a lucrative and fulfilling pursuit.
Brenda Cherotich, another promising talent, shared a similar story of inspiration. The Form Three student at Sirikwa High School in Nakuru County has been motivated by the achievements of Beatrice Chebet and Sifan Hassan. She uses cross-country races as a critical part of her preparation for the track and field season, with her sights set on excelling in the 3000m steeplechase.
“My running has been motivated by the success of Beatrice Chebet and Sifan Hassan. Going forward, I want to improve my running in the 3000m steeplechase,” said Cherotich. With a focused approach and role models to look up to, she is determined to carve a path to success in her athletic career.
The stories of Chebet and Cherotich underline the transformative power of local events like Chepsaita in nurturing and inspiring future champions.
The meet director, Barnaba Korir, expressed his delight at the impressive turnout at the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, which drew more than 10,000 participants.
Korir emphasized that the overwhelming response highlights the community's deep interest in athletics and the sport's growing popularity across Kenya.
“This turnout is a testament to how much the community and Kenyans at large are passionate about athletics,” said Korir.
He noted that the event's success not only showcases local talent but also reinforces the importance of grassroots competitions in identifying and nurturing future champions.
Korir praised the efforts of athletes, coaches, and the local community for making the event a success, adding that such platforms are vital for inspiring the next generation of runners. He expressed optimism that with continued support, the Great Chepsaita Cross Country would remain a key fixture in developing Kenya’s long-standing legacy in athletics.
Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei reaffirmed the federation's commitment to nurturing talent from the grassroots, recognizing the critical role such support plays in the development of future champions. Speaking during the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, Tuwei emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young athletes to showcase their abilities.
“As a federation, we are committed to supporting athletes from the grassroots to help them realize their potential,” Tuwei said.
He also highlighted that events like the Chepsaita Cross Country serve as a foundation for identifying and nurturing promising talent, enabling them to transition to national and international competitions.
Tuwei commended the large turnout at the event, noting that it was a reflection of the vibrant running culture in Kenya.
He pledged that Athletics Kenya would continue to invest in similar initiatives to ensure that aspiring athletes receive the resources and guidance they need to succeed on the global stage.
