T. NashipaeInaugural Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run officially launched
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 22.11.23. | 22:10
Among the notable names that will feature in this year's edition includes World Championship silver medalist Margaret Chelimo
The inaugural Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run was officially launched on Wednesday 22 November, with the organizers promising to deliver an event of its kind on December 2 in Chepsaita, Uasin Gishu County.
Speaking during the official launch, race patron Farouk Kibet pointed out that they were leaving no stone unturned in making the inaugural event a success.
CS ABABU LAUDS THE GREAT CHEPSAITA CROSS COUNTRY
— Min. of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports (@moyasa_ke) November 22, 2023
This morning , CS @AbabuNamwamba was the Chief Guest at the launch of ‘The Great Chepsaita Cross Coutry Run, a discovery edition that adds to the elite national circuits under the Athletics Kenya Lens. pic.twitter.com/2YDEJidwjj
Kibet further urged the competitors to brace for a tough course in the high-altitude Chepsaita region.
The event was also graced by Cabinet Secretary in charge of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Ababu Namwamba, Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii, and Sports PS Peter Tum.
"We will start the event at 6.00 am and our hope for this run is to involve different runners from across the country. It is not just for the locals, it is for all Kenyans," Kibet said.
The race patron also emphasized the importance of the race in curbing negative societal vices such as drugs and substance abuse, noting that it would keep the participants busy during the long holiday.
"We have also noticed that many young people get involved with vices this festive season. Some abuse drugs, and it is our hope that we can use such platforms to keep them engaged and nurture their talents," he insisted.
For Kibet, the inaugural edition goes beyond Uasin Gishu County.
He revealed that they were in talks with the Sports CS to replicate such events in different countries to nurture more talents.
"In our talk with CS Namwamba, we have discussed plans to get into the other counties as well. We are talking with governors to replicate such events in their counties," he averred.
The CS was hopeful that the event would help preach on the dangers of doping, which has been threatening the country's athletics prowess, with more cases expected as the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) intensifies testing.
"We will give you all the support and avenues, but as we do that, we request you not to tolerate doping. I know that all of you here are capable of running and winning without using substances," the concerned CS posited.
The race will also see runners and attendees treated to a free medical camp.
Uasin Gishu County boss H.E. Jonathan Chelilim urged residents to take advantage of the camp.
"We want to inform Kenyans that we are ready and we will be having precursor events. We will be having free medical camps so that when they are running, they get to know about their health," the head of the devolved unit said.
Winners will go home Ksh 100,000 richer, with more awards prepared for other participants.
Among the notable names that will feature in this year's edition includes World Championship silver medalist Margaret Chelimo.
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