It’s all systems go as the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country is set to light up the County of Eldoret on December 6.
Established in 2023 by the event’s patron, Farouk Kibet, the event has grown into one of the country’s spectacles of endurance and grit.
Last year’s edition saw over 10,000 participants take in the race with Samwel Masai and Uganda’s Loice Chekwemoi reigning supreme in the men’s and women’s senior races.
The third year is set to be even bigger, with event director Kennedy Tanui revealing that 41 nationalities will line up for the event.
Tanui confirmed the staggering international turnout, marking a historic milestone for the fast-growing meet.
“We have confirmed 41 nationalities who will come to this event. This surpasses the international threshold of five nationalities for it to be an international event,” Tanui said.
With the event now officially a global spectacle, Tanui announced that a World Athletics technical delegate is expected to arrive shortly to oversee preparations and ensure every aspect meets international standards.
“We would like to confirm that this is now an international event. The technical delegate from World Athletics is already been appointed to come and oversee the championship, and she will be here soon,” he added.
Event’s CEO Barnaba Korir also revealed that registration is now closed after the senior men’s and women’s entries hit full capacity.
“We’ve been forced to close registration as we have met our target, especially for the senior men and women races. The only section remaining is for foreign athletes,” said Korir.
He further noted a strong turnout from elite runners across the region and beyond.
“We have athletes from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and Europe who have already registered. We have almost 100 who have registered, and that is very good.”
Korir explained that the early closure was driven by World Athletics requirements, which dictate that senior and U-20 categories must be sealed three weeks before competition. “All organisation structures have been put in place. This is the first year we are ahead of schedule. We have had two previous editions, from which we have learned,” he said. “This event has grown really big. In comparison with other countries, this is number one.”
To meet World Athletics standards, the course has undergone slight modifications. “There have been a few changes on the route course just to meet the requirements of World Athletics,” Korir noted.
He added: “We also have accommodations on site for athletes from other countries.”
A handsome cash pot awaits the elite runners, with the men’s and women’s podium finishers set to pocket Sh750,000, Sh500,000 and Sh350,000.
In the U20 category, podium athletes will earn Sh200,000, Sh150,000 and Sh100,000. The rewards extend all the way to the top 30 finishers in both categories.
Farouk added a heartfelt touch to the buildup, announcing he will host a breakfast on December 2 for Kenya’s senior athletes, many of whom he says have been neglected for far too long.
“We want to ensure our senior athletes are not forgotten. Most of our senior athletes are languishing in poverty,” Kibet said.