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| 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.
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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.
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