Chepsaita Great Cross Country organisers are targeting more than 10,000 participants for the December 7 race.
It will be the second edition of the run sponsored by President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet and which takes place at Chepsaita in Turbo sub county of Uasin Gishu.
The cross country will have several categories for seniors and junior runners and special runs for senior citizens.
Preparations for the event kicked off on Saturday with two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge leading the registrations alongside Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa, Members of Parliament and Senators.
Farouk said the event will be used to tap talent and mobilise education scholarships for needy children.
“That is why our theme for this year is "Run and Educate" because we target to help our youth exploit their talent in athletics and access education," said Farouk.
He hopes to raise more than the Sh70 million from last year. The money will be used to upgrade Chepsaita Secondary School.
Ichung'wa said more than 100 MPs will participate in the Athletics Kenya-sanctioned race.
Ichungwa was with MPs Dan Wanyama of Webuye West, Janet Sitienei of Turbo and Julius Melly of Tinderet, Vihiga Women Rep Adagala, Nandi's Cynthia Muge and Faith Gita from Nyandarua, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, former West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo, Immigration Permanent Secretary Julius Bitok and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii.
“Sports is important because we can use such events to unite Kenyans. Sports is a unifying factor for all Kenyans,” said Ichungwa.
Hundreds of school children and residents lined up to register ahead of the run as some of the leaders partook a test run on the course.
