It is never too late

Most people aged 70 and above are content with sitting in the shade of trees, trading stories and memories, but not Jeniffer Jepkosgei.

The 72-year-old Jepkosgei recently graced the course in the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour gold that was held on Saturday, 3 February at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.

She was among the top finishers in the masters category which attracted women from the age of 50 to infinity while men aged 60 years and above also competed.

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For, Jepkosgei, age is just a number. She drew her inspiration from her surroundings where young people would run in the morning and evenings. She lives and trains in Iten.

Jepkosgei who was still fresh for the interview noted that the race did not pose a challenge as she runs 5km daily.

"I come from Iten. Every day I run 5km. I thank God for giving me the strength and energy," she told Mozzart Sport.

What wowed the runner was how the thousands of fans cheered her along to the finish line. That was the biggest moment of her day.

"The race was very exciting. I did not expect to finish the course. People clapped for us and I was very happy," she disclosed.

Jepkosgei went ahead to explain that she was a runner back during her primary school days when she got a cup for every victory. She was grateful that these days, she receives cash awards for her running prowess.

She smiled as she remembered how she was among the top finishers in the 2024 Iten International marathon, and she was gifted a whooping Ksh15,000.

According to the runner, the awards helped her buy medicine for her cows. During the Sirikwa Classic, she received a blanket, and she could not contain her joy.

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"I was also running back in primary school but there were no good gifts. We were given a tea cup during those days. During the Iten marathon, I ran and I was gifted Ksh15,000, and today I received a blanket. I thank God so much," she happily said lifting her blanket.

She aims to represent the country in major master's events. Despite her age, she believes that she can break major records.

"My big dream is to travel abroad. Running is in the blood. I will compete in the local races until one day I run international. Kevin Kiptum is my elder sister's grandson and my brother was a runner back in primary school," she explained.

Jepkosgei advised young people to be cautious with their diet and incorporate working out in their daily routines to help them live longer.

"I am advising the young ones to start exercising. One must train and be active. Do not eat fatty things. Eat traditional foods like vegetables. I eat a small piece of ugali with traditional vegetables and milk," she noted.

She also thanked her community in Iten for facilitating her transport to Eldoret, vowing to make them happy in every event she honors.

"I thank the people of Iten for giving me transport to grace this occasion. I will not let them down," she concluded.

According to Sports Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum the introduction of a masters category introduced an interesting social aspect to the race, giving community members a sense of belonging.

"We also had an awesome elderly section. Interestingly, I did not see an ambulance coming to pick up an athlete from the course. They were all energetic. Apart from the competitive section, there is also a social aspect of it," he observed.