Hundreds of Pupils Participate in St. Agatha Mokwo Cross Country Championships in Elgeyo Marakwet County

Kids assembly after St.Agatha Cross Country Championships in ElgeyoMarakwet County.

Hundreds of enthusiastic pupils gathered on Saturday for the second edition of the St. Agatha Mokwo Cross Country Championships at the school in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The event, a significant fixture on kids athletics calendar, was attended by Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director Barnabas Korir.

The young athletes competed across various race categories: 1km, 2km, and 4km for both boys and girls, and 6km for the U20 category. The event provided an excellent platform for the pupils to showcase their abilities and gain valuable experience.

Many participants expressed optimism for their future in athletics, citing previous competitions like the Discovery Kenya Cross Country, Chepsaita Cross Country, and others. They also viewed the race as an important step in preparing for the upcoming Sirikwa Classic World Athletics Cross Country Tour, scheduled for this weekend in Eldoret. The Sirikwa Classic, known for incorporating children's categories, continues to attract hundreds of young athletes annually.

Lucy Ruto, the Deputy HeadTeacher of Kittany Primary School, shared her pride in the kids' dedication to athletics. "I’m very happy seeing how the kids are competing. I brought a number of them who are passionate about athletics, and they have been training hard at our school. It’s incredibly inspiring to see such races—events like these really motivate children from an early age to develop a love for the sport," she said.

AK Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir with kids and officials after a race.

Barnabas Korir, who graced the event, emphasized the importance of Athletics Kenya’s Kids Athletics Programme, which aims to introduce children to the world of sports and help them discover their potential. "The Kids Athletics Programme is designed to help kids develop an interest in athletics early on, so they can identify which events they excel in and nurture their talent. This initiative is gaining momentum," Korir remarked. "The program will ensure that we have a continuous pipeline of talented athletes who will eventually transition to the senior level, helping Kenya maintain its position as a powerhouse in global athletics."

Kids competing during St.Agatha Cross Country in ElgeyoMarakwet County.

Parents who attended the event expressed their satisfaction with the level of preparation for the upcoming competitions, commending Athletics Kenya for its continued support of young athletes. The positive atmosphere surrounding the race, coupled with the support from the local schools, reflects a growing interest in kids athletics and the vital role these programs play in shaping future champions.

Watch video below: