Preparations for the 3rd Edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run have kicked off in Uasin Gishu County where President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, attended the initial media briefing.
Farouk, the patron of the race which takes place
at the scenic Chepsaita Hills, said over Sh20 million will be won this year.
He presided over the launch of preparations for
the international race, saying his dream was to educate as many children as
possible using proceeds from the event.
He noted that this year, scholarships worth more than Sh20 million would be awarded.
“We want to make this race help our young boys
and girls compete in the race. We also want to build our society to benefit
everyone,” said Farouk.
He added that part of the proceeds would also
be directed to support local healthcare institutions.
“We started from far and we are heading far. My wish is to see many children access education as the foundation for better lives,” he said.
Farouk emphasised that many talents would be
discovered and developed through the Chepsaita event.
Vice President of NOCK, Barnabas Korir,
announced that the event will be held on December 6, 2025, with more than
10,000 runners expected to participate.
Korir, who also chairs the event, said former athlete Ibrahim Kipkemboi is the chairman of the technical committee. The race is categorized at Gold Level by the IAAF.
Athletes from more than 25 countries are
expected to take part under the theme “Running for Education.”
“From previous runs, we have achieved a lot in
terms of supporting education through scholarships for needy children,” said
Farouk.
Over 600 learners have already benefited from
scholarships worth more than Sh16 million, while 20 schools have also received
support.
Korir said there would be 12 categories of races, from elite to junior events.
Winners in the elite category will each
receive Sh750,000, with second place taking Sh500,000 and third Sh350,000 in
both the men’s and women’s races.
“In terms of prize money, it’s the highest
paying cross country race in the world and also the best organised,” Korir
said.
He added that the event would greatly benefit the community through education, scholarships and other support programs.
“This event is away from the town but in a few
years we will have this region transformed into an international center for
many activities,” Korir said.
Farouk said more young people would be
encouraged to participate and urged athletes to train in preparation for the
event.
“Training hard will enable the runners to win
easily. We will raise the bar and ensure runners from here emerge to
participate in international races,” said Farouk.
A medical camp will be held on December 3
ahead of the event.
He encouraged young people to use the
opportunities from the race to transform their lives.
Farouk noted that there were many champions in
the area who only needed to focus on developing their talents through the
Chepsaita race.
“We have come from far, from those years when we could only watch TV at one old man’s home because there was no other. Now we want to use this event to help ourselves in many ways,” he said.
He also challenged Uasin Gishu County to
utilize its sports resources to benefit the youth.
“I am a resident of this county, and we want
to see our youth benefiting from the resources we have at our disposal,” Farouk
said.
He urged parents to support their children’s
education even when they get bursaries.
“We all have to work hard so that even our
forefathers like former President the late Mzee Kenyatta can be happy that we
have fought illiteracy, disease, and famine successfully,” he said.
Farouk added that those who may not run in the event would still benefit by engaging in business during the race.
He urged elites and successful individuals not
to neglect their home areas, adding that he hoped to be remembered for the good
he has done for the community.
“I know one time I will be a former somebody,
but I wish to be a former with a good name that time,” he said.
Farouk further called on counties and stakeholders to support sports tourism in the region to tap into earnings from foreigners visiting.
He also announced that a major marathon will
be held in Eldoret in February next year to support talent.
He cautioned against doping among athletes.
“We want our athletes to run clean and win clean,” he said.
Farouk hailed President Ruto for supporting
sports development in a new and transformative way.
Others present during the event included Uasin
Gishu Sports Executive Robert Kemei and Education Executive Lucy Ngendo.
