Uasin Gishu County came alive on Saturday as top athletes from Kenya and across the globe descended on the Chepsaita Grounds for the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, a prestigious World Athletics Gold Label event.
By 7 am, the venue had already transformed into a beehive of activity. Athletes pounded through warm-up drills ahead of the 8 am start, while dignitaries and fans steadily streamed in to witness the action unfold.
This year’s edition attracted more than 10,000 athletes from over 20 nations, all hungry to flex their muscles and battle for supremacy. Yet, the biggest storyline was the explosion of young talent taking centre stage. As in previous editions, Kids’ Athletics remains a cornerstone of the Chepsaita mission.
The race stands on a noble foundation, awarding Sh20 million in scholarships to needy children from the region, a life-changing bridge for rising stars.
The programme served up a vibrant menu of junior competition: a thrilling 1km dash for boys and girls aged 8–10, a gritty 2km showdown for 11–13-year-olds, and a high-tempo 4km challenge for teenagers aged 14–15.
The main races were the U-20 men’s and women’s races and the elite 10km races. This year, however, the turnout of youngsters soared to unprecedented levels, each one eager to showcase their raw talent and announce themselves as future stars.
Athletics Kenya’s Youth Development chairman was thrilled by the electrifying participation, insisting the nation’s athletics future is securely in motion. “We are really excited about what is happening. It has grown massively since we started three years ago,” he declared. “The fact that it is now recognised internationally makes us proud of what we are doing.”
For Korir, who also serves as race chief, the biggest win lay in the staggering number of children lacing up to compete. “We had the largest number of kids we have ever had,” he added.
“It shows what we are trying to achieve, particularly the surge in participation from ages five to seven, eight to nine, and right through to the teenage groups.”
He attributed the rapid growth to AK’s structured development pathways, including fruitful partnerships with schools inspired by World Athletics’ Kids’ Athletics initiative. “We are working with primary and secondary schools to build more interest in athletics. We have seen the sport grow through the programmes we have implemented over the last several years.”
Small incentives, books and school supplies, as well as the life-changing scholarships, have proven vital in honing ambition and fueling passion. “These prizes motivate them to come, compete and enjoy the experience,” Korir noted.
Race patron Farouk Kibet echoed the excitement, praising both the turnout and the remarkable talent on display. “We have nurtured talent and supported many children eager to learn while developing their abilities,” Kibet said.
“My happiness is that the day was successful; these young athletes came out and showcased their potential.”
Kibet also lauded the elite field, which turned out in strong numbers and produced spectacular racing. “The athletes turned out in large numbers to fight for those podium positions.”
As expected, the U-20 and senior showdowns delivered the loudest cheers from a jubilant crowd lining the course. In the U-20 men’s 8km race, Kelvin Kariankei powered home in 25:20, ahead of Emmanuel Kipchirchir (25:27) and Alex Pelor (25:33).
The women’s 6km was dominated by Joan Chepkurui, who controlled the race to win in 21:34, outkicking Mercy Kirwa (21:48) and Fancy Chepkorir (22:07). The elite 10km races turned into tactical masterclasses. Mathew Kipkoech clinched the men’s crown in 31:49 after a fiery three-way sprint finish ahead of Cornelius Konor (31:50) and Sammy Kapserem (31:51).
The women’s senior title went to Dorcus Ndiema, who cut the tape in 35:44, followed by Brenda Jepchirchir (36:08) and Faith Cherono (36:39) on the podium. Kipkoech, 20, who trains in the famed high-altitude hub of Iten, improved his third-place finish from last year’s race.
During the 2024 edition, he clocked 31:12 behind Samwel Chebolei (30:49) and Robert Kiprop (30:58). “I am happy to win here today. Last year I was third, and today I was able to finish first,” Kipkoech said.
He credited his sheer determination and focus in training to his dominant display during Saturday’s race. “I put more effort after that podium finish and motivated myself to keep going.”
Ndiema, who turned 20 just a day earlier, said the win was the perfect response to missing out on Kenya’s team to the Florida World Cross Country Championships after the nationals in October.
“I did not make the team, so I decided to give my best here,” she said. “I came prepared, knowing I was going for nothing short of a win.”
Her buildup was centred on long runs and sharpening speed endurance. “The race was tough, but I pushed myself to ensure I finished first,” she added.
by TEDDY MULEI
