The Great Chepsaita Cross Country patron Farouk Kibet has promised an even grander third edition next year following a successful second edition held on Saturday.
This year’s edition pulled over 10,000 participants in the region which sits in the border of Nandi, Kakamega and Bungoma counties.
This year’s event, now a World Athletics Gold Label Race, cemented its status as a premier competition, joining the Sirikwa Classic as the only two Kenyan races with such recognition.
The gold label distinction requires organisers to meet stringent conditions, including media coverage, prize money, foreign competitors and adequate medical care —standards the second Chepsaita race embraced.
Of the 10,000 participants, 2,000 were elite athletes. The senior 10km races featured 1,488 athletes ( 864 men and 624 women), while the Under-20 categories attracted 1,241 runners ( 638 men and 603 women).
Farouk, an aide to President William Ruto, assured participants of an even more impactful event in 2025. “I promise that next year will be even bigger than this year’s event,” Farouk affirmed.
Themed “Run for Education,” the race highlighted the critical role of education in athletes’ lives “We want our athletes to get educated so they cannot be duped by people looking to take advantage of them,” Farouk said.
This year’s edition supported 1,000 underprivileged students with scholarships worth Sh10 million, distributed across 10 local schools.
Farouk envisions a transformative development in Chepsaita. “We want to start a new city here in Chepsaita, where athletes can train, rest and thrive without having to travel far for their training,” he added.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki lauded Farouk’s efforts, terming the event a platform for unearthing talent.
“I have seen incredible talent from young children, youth and even older participants,” Kindiki said.
“Everyone requires an education no matter what you are trying to do. I thank Farouk for the theme of this event which is running for education. Education equalises all of us.”
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said: “This is one of the top cross country events in the country. We are committed to nurturing talent through it.”
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei celebrated the event’s meteoric rise. “Last year, this event wasn’t a gold label race, but now it is.
This demonstrates its growth and the organisers must build on this momentum,” he said. Three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon, a guest at the event, urged greater investment in upcoming athletes.
“We need to invest more in sports and athletics. Witnessing the budding talent here has been humbling,” she remarked.
Saturday’s event saw Samwel Chebolei and World U20 3000m steeplechase silver medallist Loice Chekwemoi of Uganda claim top prizes in the senior 10km races.
Chebolei clocked 30:49 to claim the men’s 10km title, outpacing Robert Kiprop ( 30:58 ) and Mathew Kipkoech ( 31:12 ).
Chebolei admitted the competition was intense but credited his determination for the win.
“The competition was not easy. I faced a strong field but pushed myself to secure the win,” Chebolei said.
His decisive moment came after the third lap. “We decided to pick up the pace after the third lap. It was a team effort initially, but from there, each of us fought for victory,” he noted.
Chekwemoi clocked 34:32 to outclass Ethiopia’s Mekides Shimeles ( 35:57 ) and Kenya’s Celestine Biwot ( 36:43 ). The 17-year-old employed a calculated strategy, making her decisive move at the 5km mark.
“As we approached the 5km mark, I decided to break away. As a champion, I knew I had to push the rest of the field and go for the win,” she said.
She now has her focus on hitting the 9:18.00 3,000m steeplechase qualifi cation standards for the 2025 Tokyo World Championships.
Cynthia Chepkurui won the
women’s U20 6km in 21:17 ahead
of Yvonne Jepchirchir ( 21:43 ) and
Joyline Chepkemoi ( 21:50 ).
