What upgrading of Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run to gold label event means to athletes
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 24.09.24. | 22:03
The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run launch attracted hundreds of kids, budding athletes and leisure runners who had a taste of the hilly course in curtain-raiser races
The second edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run has been upgraded from silver to a World Athletics gold label event. The event will be held on Saturday 7 December at the Chepsaita Secondary School.
Organizers did a massive registration drive on Saturday 21 September at the host grounds. The launch attracted hundreds of kids, budding athletes and leisure runners who had a taste of the hilly course in curtain-raiser races.
Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge and two-time World Marathon champion Abel Kirui were among the key athletes leading the registrations.
According to Kipchoge, the upgrade of the event from silver to the gold label will give top athletes the opportunity to compete in a prestigious race at their home ground.
“The athletes will confirm the mettle they are made of. I encourage them to train every day and go to schools because education progresses the talent,” he said.
The legendary marathoner went on to note that together with his team, they would deliver an athletics event when he retires.
“For me, the future is great and I have a lot in my mind. I have discussed a lot with my team and in the future, there will be goodies,” he averred.
On his side, Kirui was glad that the upgrade would attract quality fields come December. He was also pleased that the race was encouraging education, a key facet every athlete should possess.
“When I was in Samitoi, I started running and it shaped my talent. I became a police officer because of my athletics talent. I encourage young athletes to keep training and competing,” he said.
The strategic location of the event will also contribute to the throng of fans.
Chepsaita Secondary School is close to three counties. It is located about 55 km west of Eldoret town, along the highway that connects Kenya and the neighbouring country of Uganda. It is at the border between Nandi and Uasin Gishu Counties.
The secondary school is in Uasin Gishu County, but Chepsaita village extends across the two counties, and Chepsaita Primary School is in Nandi County. The event’s venue is just about five kilometres from Kakamega County.
Former Africa Under-20 1500m silver medalist Edinah Jebitok and former world cross-country junior champion Ishmael Kipkurui won the inaugural edition of the event.
Jebitok defied the tough course to cross the finish line in 26:16:7 while Kipkorir cut the tape in 23.16.2 to light up the hundreds of fans.
