Stars determined to conquer challenging Chepsaita course

From third left,Chepsaita race CEO Barnaba Korir, race patron Farouk Kibet, Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii and other AK officials inspect the course a head of Saturday'a Chepsaita Cross County. December 5, 2024. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Nothing has been left to chance. On Saturday morning, the stars will have converged for a thrilling contest at the 2024 edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run.

Nearly 800 athletics stars are in the elite field and will be eyeing glory in the gold level race.

It is Kenya's second gold level cross country race after the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour and observers says the competition is expected to be grueling.

Like last year, the Great Chepsaita Cross Country race remains the most challenging.

Yesterday, the local organising committee said Chepsaita was set for the showpiece that has attracted athletics giants from 15 different countries. A huge number of athletics enthusiasts are also expected to spectate.

Former Prague Half Marathon champion Bernard Kimeli as well as Cross Country stars Samuel Chebole, Asbel Kipruto and Asbel Rutto are among athletes in the senior men's elite field.

The Great Chepsaita Cross Country technical official Ibrahim Hussein, a three-time Boston Marathon champion, said the course meets the gold level status.

Hussein said the course was designed to accommodate a large number of elite fields comprising senior and junior categories as well as kids and fun races.

"This is the second gold level cross country in the country. I have designed the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country at the Lobo and the Chepsaita course is advanced and I will be borrowing a number of aspects from the Chepsaita race," the technical official said.

He added: "The course is one of the most challenging but we have made it exciting. A water shower has been mounted on the course to give the athletes an experience."

The organising team said the course at Chepkemel Dispensary grounds will give athletics enthusiasts an opportunity to sample the scenic views of Chepsaita.

Race Chief Executive Officer Barnaba Korir said an elite field of 600 athletes was targeted but more participants expressed interest leading to registration of an additional over 200 stars.

Korir, who is the Athletics Kenya (AK) Youths Director, said the huge number of athletes who showed interest in cross country showdown were attracted by the handsome prizes.

"The organisation of the Chepsaita races has showcased the potential of Kenyan organisers to deliver world class races.

"Going forward, we will work closely with the Ministry of Education to tap talents at Primary, Secondary and Universities. We will be encouraging universities to absorb talents so that young athletes don't travel abroad for scholarships," Korir said.

The AK executive official said Sh10 million, which are proceeds of the race have been used to sponsor the education of children in schools around Chepsaita. The race is themed Run for Education.

World Athletics representative Pauline Murumba said execution of the race tomorrow will confirm whether the event had ticked all boxes for a gold level contest.

Race patron Farouk Kibet launched pre-race activities which have been running since Tuesday.