T. NashipaeInaugural Chepsaita Cross Country Run lives upto billing
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 03.12.23. | 14:54
The race was graced by top dignitaries with fans also thronging the venue in huge numbers
The first edition of The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run, a World Athletics Bronze level event that happened on Saturday at the ACK Chepsaita Secondary School in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County lived up to its purpose of identifying the area as a potential cradle for athletics talents.
It also went down in history as one of the country's highest-paying cross-country events. The monetary incentive saw athletes turn up in large numbers. Over 700 participants registered for the race.
The winners in the senior category went home Ksh100,000 richer while the runners-up pocketed Ksh90,000. Podium finishers banked Ksh80,000.
Top finishers in the 2km category who were aged 46 to 59 years received cash awards, in addition to cows, seeds, and blankets, making the event even more historical.
Children too did not disappoint. Hundreds of them turned up, all branded in the race's t-shirts. The junior races in 500m, 1km, and 2km for both boys and girls curtain raised the senior races.
The 2km race was competed by young runners aged 11-13 years old, with the 1km race being contested by athletes between 8-10 years. The 500m category was graced by young ones between 5-7 years.
The majority of young runners finished the tough course, with some fainting at the finish line. The first aiders were the busiest as other determined young souls limped to the mark. Most of the athletes competed without shoes.
The event was graced by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretary in charge of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Ababu Namwamba, Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jack Tuwei, AK Executive Director Barnabas Korir, and Member of Parliament for Tinderet Julius Melli.
CS Ababu was pleased that the event was in line with the ministry's goal of identifying, nurturing, and monetizing talents from a young age. He assured of the ministry's support in the consecutive years.
"For the first time, we have witnessed five-year-old athletes running side by side with athletes aged 100 years. The whole circuit of the population. This race has also brought together participants from our 42 training centers that the government alongside Athletics Kenya established. We are happy, and we will continue to support," Namwamba told the attendees.
The man behind the vision of the Chepsaita Cross Country, Farouk Kibet, noted that the event would promote sustainability in sports. He emphasized that it was crucial in producing the country's world-beating champions.
“If you can be a champion in The Great Chepsaita Cross country, you can certainly be a World Champion," Kibet offered.
The strategic location of the event also contributed to the throngs of fans.
Chepsaita Secondary School is close to three counties. It is located about 55 km west of Eldoret town, along the highway that connects Kenya and the neighboring country of Uganda. It is at the border between Nandi and Uasin Gishu Counties.
The secondary school is in Uasin Gishu County, but Chepsaita village extends across the two counties, and Chepsaita Primary School is in Nandi County. The event’s venue was also just about five kilometers from Kakamega County.
The course was tough and organizers shortened the senior men’s and women’s categories to about 8 km. The junior categories were also shortened. The U20 women covered 4.91 km, while the U20 men did 6.48 km. The race also featured a special category
"We wouldn't want these kids to run for a long distance. There is a law present to ensure they run the right races and the right distance. I am a very happy man," AK President Jack Tuwei said.
Former Africa 1500m silver medalist Edna Jebitok and Ishmael Kipkorir emerged victorious. In the junior category women, Pamela Kosgei won the race after running in 16.09.0 while Charles Rotich clocked 18.55.5 to win the junior men category.
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