The event has also been upgraded to a world gold level making it a key significant in Kenya’s athletic sports’ calendar.
Chepsaita Great Cross Country builds on the success of its inaugural edition and promises to combine athletic excellence with community development under the theme Run and Educate.
Other activities on that day will include tree planting to enhance sustainability, free medical camp and showcase of the local community’s cultural heritage.
The marathon seeks to promote sportsmanship while supporting educational opportunities for young athletes and the local community.
Among the key participants are World-renowned athletes Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon are expected to grace the event.
The event will support 1,000 students from underprivileged
communities with scholarships worth Sh10 million divided across 10 schools.
Farouk Kibet, the Patron of the Chepsaita Cross Country Run, emphasizes the event's significance:
“The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run 2024 is more than an athletic event; it’s a powerful step towards empowering Kenya’s children with education. With over 1,000 scholarships worth Sh10 Million to be awarded this December and fresh opportunities to nurture talent, we are building a legacy of hope and opportunity. Run with us, as we unite for the future of our children – because every stride brings us closer together.”
This year’s edition targets at least 10,000 competitors who will fight for honours across 11 categories of competition.
Race categories
- Age 5-7 years (500m)
- Age 8-10 years (1km)
- Age 11-13 years (2km)
- Age 14-15 years (4km)
- Under 20 women (6km)
- Under 20 men (8km)
- Senior women (8km)
- Senior men (10km)
- Senior citizens (46-55 years) – 2km
- Senior citizens (56-69 years) – 1km
- Senior citizens (70 years and above) – 500m
Last year, former Africa Under-20 1500m silver medallist Edinah Jebitok and former world cross country junior champion Ishmael Kipkurui won the inaugural edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run.