'All is going well'- AK assures as final touches for Chepsaita Cross-country are put in place

Athletics kenya©

'All is going well'- AK assures as final touches for Chepsaita Cross-country are put in place

Stephen Awino 21:30 - 21.10.2024

The Great Chepsaita Cross-country run has so far attrcted over 10,000 athletes, including elite athletes from the East African region.

This year’s Chepsaita Cross Country promises to be a thrilling spectacle with over 10,000 athletes registered to participate in the second edition of the event poised for December 7.

Set in Chepkemel, Turbo, the race has grown significantly from its inaugural edition in 2023.

The competition will see both amateur and seasoned athletes challenge for top honors on the course.

According to Athletics Kenya (AK) Marketing Director Abraham Mutai, preparations for the event are in their final stages, with 90 percent of the course already complete.

"All is going well as far as preparations are concerned. We have a registration of over 10,000 athletes, and from next month we will move here for final planning," Mutai said during a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) meeting at the venue as per Citizen TV.

The Chepsaita Cross Country has quickly gained prominence, attracting top athletes from across the globe.

This year, over 30 percent of the participants are expected to come from countries such as Ethiopia, Morocco, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Speaking at the same event Barnabas Korir, the executive member and youth development chairman at Athletics Kenya, emphasized that 70 percent of the slots will be reserved for local athletes, ensuring that the race continues to nurture grassroots talent.

"Even though it’s a world event, so far we have confirmation of participation from top-range athletes from neighboring countries. We want to ensure that local talent is also given an opportunity to shine," expressed Korir.

Beyond the competition, this year’s Chepsaita Cross Country is set to make a difference in the local community by promoting education.

The event is closely tied to Chepkemel Secondary School, with a portion of the proceeds going toward educational initiatives in the area.

In its first edition last year, the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run was praised for its organizational success and community impact.

Held annually at the school's grounds in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the event has become a major draw for both young and experienced athletes.

The competition features a range of categories, including Senior Men (10km), Senior Women (8km), Under-20 Men (8km), Under-20 Women (6km).

Additionally, there are races for senior citizens and children, making it an inclusive event that welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities.