Thousands up for grabs as AK cross country meet heads to Kapsokwony

The highly anticipated Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country series is heading to Kapsokwony on Saturday, 26 October, with thousands of shillings in prize money awaiting top performers.

The event will be held at Kapsokwony Boys Secondary School, featuring the Men’s and Women’s U20, the 10km senior races, and a 2km loop race for both men and women.

Athletes will be competing for impressive cash rewards, with Ksh30,000 on offer for the winners in each category. The second-place finishers will receive Ksh.20,000, while third place will pocket Ksh15,000. Athletes who finish between fourth and tenth positions will each take home Ksh10,000.

AK Director of Competition Paul Mutwii highlighted the significance of this event for athletes aiming for a successful season. He emphasized the importance of the event in setting a strong foundation for athletes' overall performance.

“It is important that athletes compete in this event if at all they want to have a strong season,” he offered.

Mutwii also revealed that AK has made key changes to improve the event, including the requirement for athletes to collect their bib numbers in person. Registration is now exclusively online via a link provided by AK.

AK’s Marketing Director, Abraham Mutai, explained that the increased prize money is part of a broader strategy to make the local cross-country series more attractive for athletes.

Kenyan trio of Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi nominated for Track Athlete of the Year

“We want to make the local calendar lucrative, that’s why we have increased the weekend series prize money,” Mutai stated.

He also hinted at exciting future developments, revealing that AK is actively seeking sponsorship for the series.

“We want to lock in a sponsor so that the series will have a jackpot prize money, and we are already in talks with potential sponsors. We will be making an announcement soon,” Mutai added.

The previous cross-country meet, held at the Machakos Teachers’ College on Saturday 19 October, saw thrilling performances across all categories.

In the senior men’s 10km, Kiprono braved the dusty course to emerge victorious, clocking 32:11.2. Francis Abong took second place with a time of 32:14.7, while Victor Kipruto finished third in 32:29.1.

Mary Moraa explains decision to visit former High School

The senior women’s 10km was equally competitive, with Chepkoech clinching first place in 36:22.9.

Christine Njoki followed closely behind with 36:32.22, and Esther Chemtai finished third in 37:13.7.

In the juniors’ categories, Silas Senchura won the men’s 8km in 25:27.42, while Yvonne Chepchirchir topped the women’s 6km in 21:40.02.

Both juniors and seniors received substantial prize money, with senior winners taking home Ksh50,000 and juniors receiving Ksh30,000.