Excitement is building in Uasin Gishu as the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run prepares to stage its third edition on December 6, with organisers promising a world-class spectacle befitting its new status as a World Athletics Cross Country Championships Gold Tour event.
The launch, held Thursday at Chepkemel Dispensary Grounds in Turbo Sub County, set the tone for what Patron Farouk Kibet described as the most ambitious edition yet.
“We are targeting more than 10,000 participants this year,” said Kibet, an aide to President William Ruto. “By God’s grace, it will be bigger and better. Our dream has always been to educate as many students as possible, and this year we want to raise over Ksh20 million in scholarships, up from Ksh16 million last year.”
With the theme Run for Education, the race seeks to emphasize the role of learning in shaping athletes’ futures. Beyond scholarships, Kibet outlined broader ambitions for the event’s legacy: better roads, improved access to electricity and clean water, and more opportunities for young athletes to thrive both locally and internationally.
“This race has always been about nurturing future talent. We want to compete with the world while building a stronger society here at home,” he said.
The gold label upgrade marks a major milestone for the event, signaling compliance with strict global standards on prize money, international participation, medical facilities, and media coverage. Organisers say these benchmarks will not only enhance the competition’s prestige but also strengthen Kenya’s position on the global athletics calendar.
With its growing reputation and renewed commitment to education and community upliftment, the Great Chepsaita Cross Country is shaping up to be more than just a race it’s becoming a movement.
