Ndaptabwa Community Cross Country Lights Up Nandi County with Grassroots Talent

 

Ndaptabwa Village in Nandi County came alive as athletes of all ages turned out in large numbers for the Ndaptabwa Community Cross Country, a race that truly captured the heart of community sport.

The event attracted an impressive turnout of children, with boys and girls as young as five years old lining up with excitement and determination. From the youngest runners taking their first competitive steps to seasoned athletes and elderly participants aged over 60, every age category was well represented, creating a colorful and inspiring spectacle.

The strong presence of children stood out as a powerful indicator of the growing love for athletics at the grassroots. Community races like Ndaptabwa provide a safe and welcoming environment where young athletes can discover their abilities, build confidence, and develop a passion for sport from an early age.

Early exposure to athletics is key to long-term talent development. By engaging children in age-appropriate competition, these events help identify raw talent early, nurture discipline and healthy habits, and lay a solid foundation for future champions.

As the elderly ran alongside the youth, the Ndaptabwa Community Cross Country showcased athletics as a lifelong sport one that unites generations while planting the seeds for tomorrow’s stars.

Kapsisiywo Community Cross Country Showcases Grassroots Power of Athletics

The Kapsisiywo Community Cross Country was held successfully today, drawing athletes from a wide range of age groups and competitive levels in a celebration of inclusivity and grassroots sport development.

The event featured participants as young as five years old and veterans aged over sixty, with competitors racing in age-appropriate categories. The strong turnout, especially among children, underscored the growing interest in athletics at the community level and the importance of creating safe, structured opportunities for young athletes to engage in sport.

Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir emphasized the critical role such races play in shaping the future of athletics.

“Community cross country events like this are the backbone of our sport. They allow us to introduce children to athletics early, identify talent naturally, and instill values such as discipline, confidence, and a healthy lifestyle,” said Korir. “This is where the journey begins from playful first races to producing future champions.”

Korir noted that early exposure to competitive but age-appropriate running helps nurture long-term athlete development while safeguarding young participants’ welfare.

In line with this approach, Athletics Kenya continues to strengthen its Kids’ Athletics and youth development programs, placing emphasis on structured progression, proper coaching, and sustainable athlete growth. By supporting community-driven initiatives such as the Kapsisiywo Cross Country, the federation is investing in the long-term future of the sport.

The event stood as a powerful reminder that elite success on the global stage is built on strong grassroots foundations—one community race at a time.

Ng’elel Tarit Kids and Elderly Race Showcases Early Talent in Uasin Gishu

 

The 6th edition of the Ng’elel Tarit Kids and Elderly Race was held on Friday at Kipsinende Primary School in Uasin Gishu County, drawing enthusiastic participation from children of various age groups.

Young athletes turned up in large numbers and competed across different race categories, demonstrating determination, discipline, and growing talent. The event continues to position itself as a key platform for nurturing athletics talent at an early age while promoting healthy lifestyles among both the young and the elderly.

World 1500m record holder and race ambassador Faith Kipyegon graced the event, where she encouraged the children to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to their education and sporting dreams. She emphasized the importance of identifying and developing talent early, noting that grassroots competitions play a critical role in shaping future champions.

The Ng’elel Tarit race comes on the heels of the recently concluded Chepsaita Cross Country, another successful grassroots event that saw children participate in a “run for education” initiative. Together, the two events underline a growing commitment in the region to use athletics as a tool for talent development, education empowerment, and community transformation.

Organizers reiterated that the Ng’elel Tarit Kids and Elderly Race is not only about competition, but also about inspiring young runners, identifying potential, and creating pathways for future success in athletics and beyond.

The 6th edition of Ng'elel Tarit Kids athletics in pictures

 The 6th edition of Ng'elel Tarit Kids and Elderly Race took place at Kipsinende Primary in Uasin Gishu County.

Kids Set for the 6th Edition of Ngelel-Tarit Race in Uasin Gishu County

Kids participation during the 5th edition of Ng'elel-Tarit kids race last year

 Excitement is building ahead of the 6th edition of the Ngelel-Tarit Race, set for December 12, at Kipsinende Primary School in Uasin Gishu County. Coming hot on the heels of last weekend’s Chepsaita Cross Country, the event once again promises a vibrant competition for both children and elderly  reinforcing its reputation as one of the region’s most inclusive grassroots races.

Race Director Richard Metto confirmed that preparations are complete and momentum is high.

“We are ready to go,” Metto said. “Every year this event grows in energy and participation, and it’s inspiring to see children, youth, and even our senior runners looking forward to it. It has truly become a treasured tradition in our community.”

The race programme will feature a wide range of categories tailored to different age groups, ensuring that every participant—young or elderly—has a chance to shine:

• 200m: 5–8 Years Boys/Girls

• 1km: 9–12 Years Boys/Girls

• 1km: 40–50 Years Women

• 1km: 45–55 Years Men

• 500m: 51 Years & Above Women

• 500m: 56 Years & Above Men

• 2km: 13–15 Years Boys/Girls

• 4km: 16–19 Years Girls

• 6km: 16–19 Years Boys

Many of the youngsters who competed at Chepsaita are expected to line up once again, eager to build on their performances and demonstrate their growing skills on the track.

Metto highlighted the race’s continued impact on promoting wellness and unity within the community.

“This event is bigger than competition, it’s about encouraging healthy living, bringing people together, and reminding everyone that running is for all ages,” he noted. “Whether you’re five or seventy-plus, stepping onto that start line is a celebration of strength, resilience, and community spirit.”

With strong local support and rising interest in athletics across the region, the 6th Ngelel-Tarit Race is poised to once again take centre stage in Uasin Gishu County’s sporting calendar. As race day approaches, participants, young and old, are gearing up with excitement, ready to inspire and be inspired through their shared passion for running.

Kids Turnout Soars as Great Chepsaita Cross Country Strengthens Kenya’s Athletics Future

Kids taking part during the Great Chepsaita Cross Country 2025.

Athletics Kenya Youth Development Chair has praised the exceptional turnout at the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, saying the overwhelming participation is clear proof that Kenya’s future in athletics remains solid and promising.

The event featured an action-packed lineup of junior categories, including the Kids’ 500m races for ages 5–7, 1km races for ages 8–10, a competitive 2km contest for children aged 11–13, and the fast-paced 4km races for teenagers aged 14–15.

Speaking after the event, the Youth Development Chair noted the remarkable expansion of the Chepsaita meet, which has rapidly grown into a recognised platform for discovering and nurturing emerging talent.

“The growth has been tremendous since we began three years ago. We are proud that this event is now gaining international recognition,” he said.

He highlighted the record number of participants as the day’s most encouraging milestone.

“This is the largest number of kids we have ever attracted. It shows the impact of our development efforts. The increased participation among children as young as five, all the way to the teenage groups, is particularly inspiring,” he added.

In his capacity as both AK Youth Development Director and Race Director, he expressed satisfaction with the passion shown by the young athletes.

“I am happy with the direction we are taking. Our goal is to nurture these children so they grow up with athletics deeply rooted in them.”

He attributed the sustained progress to Athletics Kenya’s structured youth programmes, including partnerships with primary and secondary schools under the World Athletics’ Kids’ Athletics framework.

“These school-based programmes are working. We can clearly see the growing interest in athletics across the country,” he said.

He also noted that incentives, ranging from books and school supplies to major educational scholarships for vulnerable children, have played a crucial role in boosting participation.

“Such rewards motivate them to come, compete and enjoy the experience.”

Beyond the competition, the Great Chepsaita Cross Country is shaping young lives through education, with scholarships worth over KSh 20 million awarded to needy children in the Chepsaita community.

Race Patron Farouk Kibet commended the young athletes for their enthusiasm and talent.

“We have continued to nurture many children who are eager to learn and develop their abilities. My joy is that the event was successful, and these youngsters showed their potential,” he said.

The Great Chepsaita Cross Country continues to cement its place as one of the region’s most influential grassroots athletics events, offering opportunity, hope and a pathway for Kenya’s next generation of champions.

Young Stars Shine as Hundreds of Children Flock to Great Chepsaita Cross Country

 

Hundreds of excited children turned up in large numbers for the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, transforming the small high-altitude village into a vibrant arena of youthful energy, talent, and hope. From the moment they arrived at the venue, the youngsters radiated anticipation—eager to run, to compete, and above all, to be part of a growing movement that uses athletics as a pathway to education and opportunity.

The event, now a flagship fixture in the junior athletics calendar, drew children from as young as five years old, all keen to showcase their emerging skills. Many were accompanied by parents and teachers, while others came from local schools and community groups, all united by a shared belief that athletics can open doors to a brighter future.

With races ranging from the Kids’ 500m sprints to the high-tempo 4km teenage contests, the competition turned into a colourful display of determination and raw talent. Cheering crowds lined the course as young runners fought through the dusty terrain, each stride reflecting the hunger to learn, compete, and be counted among Kenya’s next generation of champions.

For many children, the Great Chepsaita Cross Country is more than just a race, it is a race for education. The event has earned a reputation for offering life-changing scholarships to needy learners, a factor that has fuelled both participation and ambition. Several young athletes admitted that the hope of securing a scholarship motivates them to train harder, dream bigger, and commit to the sport.

“I came here because I want to run well and get a chance to continue with school,” said one eager participant, echoing the sentiments of many others who view the event as a stepping stone towards academic and athletic success.

The course also doubled as a stage for young talent to express their flair, speed, and competitive spirit. Coaches and scouts observed keenly as the children showcased impressive discipline and potential, qualities that have long defined Kenya’s global athletics legacy.

Organisers noted that the third edition recorded the highest turnout to date, reinforcing the event’s growing influence in grassroots sports development. Officials described the youngsters as “future champions in the making,” confident that the Chepsaita meet is planting the seeds for Kenya’s next crop of world-beaters.

Beyond medals and rankings, the day’s competition was a celebration of opportunity. It highlighted how cross country running can inspire hope, keep children in school, and build character from an early age.

As the sun set over the Chepsaita hills, one message stood out clearly: the future of Kenyan athletics is bright and it begins with these young, determined runners who showed up with passion, purpose, and dreams bigger than the course before them.