Kenya’s senior athletes are set for a rare moment of recognition ahead of the highly anticipated Great Chepsaita Cross Country, celebrating their contributions to the nation’s sporting legacy.
Event patron Farouk Kibet announced on Wednesday that he will host a special breakfast on December 2 to honour veteran athletes for their achievements.
“Many of these seasoned runners have represented Kenya with distinction, yet their contributions have often gone unnoticed,” Kibet said.
He added that the event aims to engage the athletes, highlight the challenges they face, and encourage government recognition of their efforts.
The initiative underscores the importance of celebrating Kenya’s sporting heroes while drawing attention to support that could enhance their post-competitive careers.
Kibet said the event is designed to recognise athletes who may not have received adequate acknowledgement over the years.
“We want to ensure that our senior athletes are celebrated and supported. We hope to discuss ways to work with them and encourage government recognition for those who have participated in major events, including members of disciplined forces,” he stated.
The breakfast will coincide with a free medical camp at Chepkemei Primary School in Turbo, offering services such as women’s health, mental health support, cancer screening, eye and dental checks, and children’s welfare services.
The Cross Country, now in its third edition, is set to attract a record international field. Event director Kennedy Tanui confirmed that athletes from 41 nationalities will compete on December 6.
“This surpasses the international threshold of five nationalities for the event to be recognised as international,” Tanui said.
Event CEO Barnaba Korir said registration for senior men’s and women’s categories has closed at full capacity, with nearly 100 elite runners from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, and Europe confirmed.
“All organisational structures are in place. This is the first time we are ahead of schedule. We have learned from the previous two editions,” he said.
The race course has been slightly modified to meet World Athletics standards, and on-site accommodation will be available for international athletes. A World Athletics technical delegate is expected to inspect the facilities ahead of the competition.
A substantial prize fund awaits the winners: Sh750,000, Sh500,000, and Sh350,000 for the top three senior men’s and women’s finishers, with U20 podium athletes earning Sh200,000, Sh150,000, and Sh100,000. Cash prizes will also be awarded to the top 30 finishers in both categories.
With senior athletes being honoured, an international field confirmed, and community health initiatives underway, the Great Chepsaita Cross Country is shaping up to be a landmark event for Kenya and the global running community.
