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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.
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