A medical camp for more than 15,000 people is among several activities planned for the community ahead of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Race set for December 7.
President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, who is a patron of the race, on Friday caused excitement in the Chepsaita area even as he rallied locals to turn up for the race.
During his interactions, Farouk mingled with residents even as he shared meals with them.
Farouk and Athletics Kenya (AK), led by Barnabas Korir, were in the area to inspect the course for the race, which several international athletes are expected to attend.
President Ruto is expected to be the chief guest of the race.
“We are set for the Great Chepsaita Race, and our theme is Running for Education. It seeks to help us support education in this area,” said Kibet.
He said the race will be used to tap talents and nurture them while also boosting education programmes.
More than 10,000 athletes for all categories are expected to participate in the race.
Farouk expressed his happiness that the second edition of the Chepsaita race will benefit more students in their educational journey.
He said more than Sh10 million will be used to sponsor over 1,000 needy students in the area.
“This race is about our people from various cultures. The medical camp on December 2, will ensure we also support a healthy community,” said Farouk.
He said the race would also help to upgrade hospitals in the area as well as roads.
“We are grateful to all our sponsors, and it’s encouraging that our community here and all those involved are ready for the Great Chepsaita race on December 7,” said Kibet.
He said athletics was now a major sector in the country, with many world-class runners marketing Kenya internationally.
Korir said the Great Chepsaita Race had been upgraded to be part of the Gold Level World Athletics series, and hence it has to meet all required international standards, especially in terms of planning.
“Running for education will ensure that when the athletes are running, they have an opportunity to succeed in both education and athletics,” said Korir.
He said they had already identified 10 schools in the area, which will each receive Sh1 million for infrastructure development.
Korir, who is chairman of the organising committee, said the race will have all categories from junior to senior citizens to ensure the community also benefits.
“At least Sh3 million will also go directly to the community,” said Korir.
The race will also be used to support water projects.
Deputy Governor for Uasin Gishu Evans Kapkea, who was present, said they will fully support the race.
Beatrice Chebet who is an Olympic Gold medalist, was also present and said the Chepsaita race would help to support new talents and also education programmes
“We are happy to be part of this race that will greatly benefit upcoming athletes and also education sponsorships for the young people,” she said.
Roads and security have also been improved in the area ahead of the race.
