The second edition of the Chepsaita Great Cross Country, organized by President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet is scheduled for December 7, 2024.
The Chepsaita race will take place at Chepkemel Secondary School in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County.
Patron Farouk Kibet said this year’s edition, themed “Run for Education,” will be used to fundraise for the education of underprivileged children in society.
“Our theme for this year is ‘Run and Educate’ because this event offers young athletes the chance to expose their talents while also allowing them to better their education through scholarships,” said event patron Farouk Kibet.
Farouk Kibet to Spend Ksh 10M on the Race
He added that the event will not only benefit competitors but also needy children in the local community.
“I am happy to announce that because of this race more than 1,000 students from 10 different schools will receive Ksh10,000 worth of scholarships paid directly to their schools to support their education,” said Kibet.
“Ksh10million worth of scholarships will help a child achieve their dream through education.”
Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and three-time Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon are set to grace the second edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross-Country Run.
Kipchoge, while speaking ahead of the much-anticipated event, expressed his passion for the initiative, emphasizing its impact on education.
“I will be running for education as you know education is the ultimate equalizer,” Kipchoge said.
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Participants in the Chepsaita Great Cross Country
The event, which is a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold circuit, has attracted athletes from over 15 countries.
They include Bahrain, Brunei, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda and the USA.
Proceeds from the competition will go towards the refurbishment of the nearby Chepsaita Secondary School.
The first 100 finishers in each race will receive scholarships to be awarded to needy students in the local community.
The initiative also allows participants to compete not just for themselves but also for others in the community, enabling winners to donate scholarships to needy children.
This year’s edition targets at least 10,000 competitors who will fight for honours across 11 categories of competition.
Other activities on that day will include tree planting to enhance sustainability, free medical camp and showcase of the local community’s cultural heritage.
Also Read: Peres Jepchirchir: Kenyan Athlete Who Broke Women Only World Marathon Record
Race Categories
| Age (Years) | Category |
| 5-7 years | 500 M |
| 8-10 years | 1km |
| 11-13 years | 2km |
| 14-15 years | 4km |
| Under 20 women | 6km |
| Under 20 men | 8km |
| Senior women | 8km |
| Senior men | 10km |
| Senior citizens | 2km |
| Senior citizens | 1km |
| Senior citizens | 500m |
The inaugural edition of the Great Chepsaita Run saw standout performances from athletes like former Africa Under-20 1500m silver medalist Edinah Jebitok and former world cross-country junior champion Ishmael Kipkurui.
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