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.

Moi Educational Centre marks annual sports day

 

Moi Educational Centre Sports Day

By Robert Kibet

Nairobi, Kenya, September 9, 2025– The fields of Moi Educational Centre in Nairobi were filled with energy and excitement as hundreds of the school’s pupils competed in athletics activities during the school’s 18th Annual Sports Day. The colorful event showcased the power of sports in shaping young lives and reaffirmed athletics as the heartbeat of Kenya’s sporting culture.

The chief guest was Barnaba Korir, Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director and First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK). Addressing teachers, parents, and learners, Korir praised Moi Educational Centre for its consistent commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots.

“Kids’ Athletics is the cornerstone of our development program at Athletics Kenya,” he said. “What we have witnessed here today is the very foundation of Kenya’s continued success on the global stage. Giving children opportunities to participate in structured athletics at an early age is invaluable.”

A Festival of Talent and Teamwork

The sports day featured a wide range of competitions—100m sprints, relays, middle-distance races, ball games, and fun sporting activities designed to promote inclusivity and teamwork. The sight of children sprinting across the tracks, cheered on by their peers and parents, reflected both raw talent and the joy of discovery.

Teachers at the school emphasized that sports days are not only about winning medals but also about giving every child a platform to showcase ability, build character, and develop confidence.

Moi Educational Centre Principal, Peter Rotich, said the school takes pride in offering holistic education.

“We are committed to providing quality education supported by a strong sporting program. Athletics, in particular, is part of our national identity, and giving our pupils space to grow in this discipline helps them excel both in academics and in life.”

Linking Schools to National Success

AK Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir 

Korir highlighted that Kenya’s dominance in world athletics is rooted in grassroots programs such as these. From the Olympics to the World Championships, he noted, many of the country’s heroes began their journeys on school tracks before rising to the national stage.

“Our excellence internationally is no accident,” he explained. “It comes from deliberate investment in youth programs, school competitions, and strong partnerships with the Ministry of Education. When schools like Moi Educational Centre embrace athletics, they directly contribute to Kenya’s sporting legacy.”

He added that Athletics Kenya will continue working with schools and communities to expand Kids’ Athletics programs nationwide. The goal is to provide every child—whether in cities or rural areas—an opportunity to identify and nurture their talents.

Sports as a Pathway

Korir reminded the audience that sports should be viewed as “a means to an end.” Athletics, he said, instills discipline, resilience, and teamwork—values that serve children in academics, careers, and life.

“Sports is not an end in itself—it is a pathway,” he said. “Our role is to ensure that children balance education with athletics, using both to achieve their dreams.”

He encouraged other schools to emulate Moi Educational Centre’s model, noting that many football academies and sports academies have thrived in schools, and athletics must be given equal focus to keep Kenya ahead globally.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The event concluded with an award ceremony where winners in different categories were recognized with medals and certificates. The cheers of classmates and parents created an atmosphere of pride and motivation that left a lasting impression on the young athletes.

For Athletics Kenya, events such as Moi Educational Centre’s sports day are more than just annual celebrations—they are investments in the nation’s future. Every sprint, every relay, and every race represents the first steps of tomorrow’s champions.

As Korir put it, “What we saw here today proves that the future of Kenyan athletics is secure. With schools, teachers, parents, and institutions working together, we will continue to produce world-class athletes who not only win medals but also inspire generations.”

The 18th edition of Moi Educational Centre’s Sports Day was therefore not just a school event—it was a celebration of Kenya’s enduring athletic spirit and a reminder that the Olympic dream begins in playgrounds and classrooms across the country.

Yego Hails Kip Keino Classic as Cradle for Future Champions

 

Julius Yego during Kipkeino Classic press conference in Nairobi.

2015 world champion Julius Yego has hailed this year’s Kip Keino Classic as a cradle for future champions, saying the inclusion of a kids’ athletics marks a major step in inspiring the next generation of athletes.

“Kids’ competition will be one of the events, which is a plus for this year’s event. Sports is about all the generations, both active and upcoming. That is the essence of the sport to inspire the next generation of sportspeople,” said Yego, emphasizing the importance of inclusive sporting platforms that bridge age and experience.

For the first time in the history of the prestigious continental tour meet, children will compete in a dedicated program alongside global athletic stars a strategic shift aimed at nurturing young talent while celebrating elite performance.

AK Youth Development Director Mr. Barnaba Korir said the move will give the children “firsthand experience of competing in a world-class event, sharing the same stage as their heroes,” and sparking dreams of future glory.

Kenya this month  stamped its authority on the global athletics stage, this time through  young stars! In the recently concluded Kids Athletics Relay Around the World challenge organized by World Athletics, Kenyan children dazzled the world with their talent, energy, and teamwork.

Over the course of a month-long relay filled with exciting activities, kids showcased exceptional skill  outshining participants from across the globe. Their outstanding performance saw Kenya crowned winners of the global challenge , a proud moment that reflects the depth of  grassroots athletics development.

As preparations intensify, the 2025 Kip Keino Classic is shaping up not just as a spectacle of elite athleticism, but as a launchpad for the stars of tomorrow.

Kenya's Victory in the World Athletics Kids' Athletics Day Relay Around the World Challenge: A Heartfelt Thank You

 

On behalf of Athletics Kenya, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to our victory in the World Athletics Kids' Athletics Day Member Federation Relay Around the World Challenge. This achievement highlights the incredible teamwork and commitment of our young athletes, coaches, schools, parents, and partners.

Our success in this global initiative reflects the unity of our community and the promising future of athletics in Kenya. We are inspired by the energy and dedication of our children and remain focused on guiding their development as future champions.

Thank you for your strong support and belief in our mission. Together, we continue to shape the next generation of Kenyan athletic stars.

Kenya wins Kids' Athletics Day Member Federation Relay Around the World Challenge

 

Athletics Kenya has been selected as the winning Member Federation of the Kids’ Athletics Day challenge after contributing almost a quarter of the participants in the ‘Relay Around the World’.

Around the globe, more than 600,000 children across all six continental areas participated in over 1200 activations to promote Kids’ Athletics Day – a global day dedicated to celebrating children and young people being active by participating in athletics.  

This year’s theme, Relay Around the World, was inspired by the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, taking place this weekend. The challenge, which ran from 6 April to Kids’ Athletics Day on 7 May, was the biggest, most inclusive Kids’ Athletics participation activity yet – with a target of 500,000 kids participating across the world – and was designed to inspire the athletes of tomorrow and get kids everywhere moving.

Read More story HERE by World Athletics

Kenya Celebrates World Kids Athletics Day with Vibrant National Events

 

Kids Athletics Day celebration in Makueni County

Kenya joined the global athletics community in celebrating World Kids Athletics Day on May 7, 2025, with colorful and high-energy events held across the country, headlined by national celebrations in Makueni and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties. Themed “Relay Around the World,” this year’s edition marked the culmination of a month-long series of activities designed to introduce children to athletics while promoting environmental stewardship.

The celebration was spearheaded by Athletics Kenya (AK) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, with hundreds of schools countrywide participating. Children took part in fun athletic competitions including sprints, relays, jumps, and throws. A unique and meaningful highlight was the tree planting initiative at each event, symbolizing AK’s commitment to building a sustainable environment for future athletes.

“Our goal is to instill a love for athletics in children from an early age while teaching them the importance of protecting their sporting environment,” said Barnaba Korir, AK’s Youth Development Director. “We’ve seen incredible enthusiasm from the kids, and we’re excited about the future. These are the future stars of Kenya, and it all starts with programs like this.”

In Makueni and Elgeyo Marakwet, the national events drew widespread participation from local leaders, parents, and teachers, who expressed overwhelming support for integrating Kids Athletics more formally into school programs. Many parents and school administrators have called for the initiative to be permanently included in school sports calendars.

Recognizing this groundswell of support, AK announced plans to expand the program and incorporate Kids Athletics into national competitions, ensuring consistent growth pathways for young talent across the country.

Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, President of Athletics Kenya, reaffirmed the federation’s long-term commitment to youth development. “Kenya’s legacy in athletics is built on nurturing talent from the grassroots. By introducing children to structured athletics programs early, we’re not only identifying future champions but also shaping responsible, healthy citizens,” he said. “We thank the Ministry of Education, our coaches, and all stakeholders who helped make this day a success.”

As the curtain fell on this year’s World Kids Athletics Day celebrations, Kenya’s vibrant youth participation and the widespread community support clearly demonstrated the country’s dedication to building a strong and sustainable future in athletics.

PICTORIALS

Athletics Kenya Integrates Kids Athletics into 2025 Kip Keino Classic to Inspire Next Generation

 

Kids competing in shuttle relays at Unoa Primary in Machakos County

Athletics Kenya has announced that Kids Athletics will be featured as part of this year’s edition of the Kip Keino Classic, a prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event hosted in Nairobi. 

This exciting inclusion is part of a broader initiative to promote grassroots engagement in athletics by offering children the opportunity to be part of a world-class sporting experience.

The participating children have been actively involved in a month-long global relay challenge, organized under the auspices of World Athletics and implemented by member federations. This initiative, inspired by the World Athletics Relays taking place this month in Quanzhou, China, aims to set a record for the largest kids’ relay event worldwide.

Through its Youth Development Department, Athletics Kenya has been running a vibrant Kids Athletics program that introduces the fundamentals of track and field to young athletes from an early age. By incorporating this initiative into a high-profile event like the Kip Keino Classic, the federation seeks to provide young athletes with a unique opportunity to engage with and be inspired by elite competitors.

This integration not only motivates the children by allowing them to interact with their role models but also promotes a deeper appreciation for the sport. It serves as a vital stepping stone in nurturing future champions and ensuring the sustained growth and popularity of athletics across generations.

Read More HERE