The Great Chepsaita Cross Country is poised for its most explosive edition yet, with event director Kennedy Tanui revealing that 41 nationalities will line up on December 6 to battle for glory and mouth-watering prize money.
Speaking during Tuesday’s media briefing, Tanui confirmed the staggering international turnout, marking a historic milestone for the fast-growing meet.
“We confirmed 41 nationalities who will come to this event, which surpasses the international threshold of five nationalities for it to be an international event,” Tanui said.
With the event now officially a global spectacle, Tanui announced that a World Athletics technical delegate is expected to arrive shortly to oversee preparations and ensure every aspect meets international standards.
“We want to confirm that this is now an international event. The appointed World Athletics technical delegate will be here soon to oversee the championship,” he added.
Event’s CEO Barnaba Korir also revealed that registration is now closed after the senior men’s and women’s entries hit full capacity.
“We have had to close registration as we have met our target, especially for the senior men and women. The only section remaining is for foreign athletes.”
He further noted a strong turnout from elite runners across the region and beyond. “We have athletes from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and Europe who have already registered. We have almost 100 who have registered, and that is very good.”
Korir explained that the early closure was driven by World Athletics requirements, which dictate that senior and U-20 categories must be sealed three weeks before competition.
“All organisation structures have been put in place. This is the first time we are ahead of schedule. We have had two previous editions, which we have learned from,” he said.
“This event has really grown. In comparison with other countries, this is number one.”
To meet World Athletics standards, the course has undergone slight modifications. “There have been a few changes in the course just to meet the requirements of World Athletics,” Korir noted.
“We will also have accommodations on site for athletes from other countries to come and reside here.”
A handsome cash pot awaits the elite runners, with the men’s and women’s podium finishers set to pocket Sh750,000, Sh500,000 and Sh350,000.
In the U20 category, podium athletes will earn Sh200,000, Sh150,000 and Sh100,000. The rewards extend all the way to the top 30 finishers in both categories.
Event patron Farouk Kibet added a heartfelt touch to the buildup, announcing he will host a breakfast on December 2 for Kenya’s senior athletes, many of whom he says have been neglected for far too long.
“We want to ensure that our senior athletes are not forgotten. Most of our senior athletes are languishing in poverty,” Kibet said.
by TEDDY MULEI
