Chepsaita X-Country targets record 10,000 entries with Sh20m prize purse

‎The Great Chepsaita Cross Country, a World Athletics gold-level spectacle, is bracing for record-breaking numbers with organisers targeting 10,000 participants for its third edition set for December 6.

‎‎Last year’s race attracted over 9,000 runners from more than 15 countries. 

‎Samwel Chebolei claimed the men’s senior 10km crown in 30:49, edging Robert Kiprop (30:58) and Mathew Kipkoech (31:12). ‎

Uganda’s Loice Chekwemoi stormed to the women’s title in 34:32 ahead of Ethiopia’s Mekides Molla (35:57) and Kenya’s Celestine Biwot (36:43).

‎‎This year’s programme will feature various events including; kids’ races (500m for ages 5–7, 1km for ages 8–10), junior events (2km for ages 11-13 and 4km for ages 14-15), U-20 contests (6km women, 8km men) and the showpiece senior 10km battle.

‎‎Race director Barnaba Korir, speaking at the official launch on Thursday, said the stage is set for an even bigger showpiece. 

‎"Last year we had over 9,000 participants, but we had to stop registration because the place was too small and it would be very crowded."

‎"We have made adjustments, and this year we are targeting 10,000 participants as well as more international countries for the third edition," Korir said. 

‎Organisers expect 800 runners in the 5–7 category, 2,000 each in the 8–10, 11–13 and 14–15 races, with 1,600 taking part in the U-20 and senior races. 

‎However, Korir confirmed that the masters’ race for veteran athletes has been scrapped for this edition. ‎"We may not consider the masters' race this year."

‎‎He, however, noted that the organisers expect stiff competition in the tournament. ‎"This year we are going to have a very competitive race because we have very serious events lined up."

‎‎Up for grabs is a lucrative prize purse of Sh20 million. 

Winners of the elite senior races will pocket Sh750,000, with second and third places earning Sh500,000 and Sh350,000 respectively.  

‎The U-20 champions will collect Sh200,000, with the other podium finishers walking home with Sh150,000 and Sh100,000 respectively 

‎The kids and junior prizes range as follows for the podium finishers: 5-7 years (Sh10,000, Sh8,000 and Sh6,000), 8-10 years (Sh12,000, Sh10,000 and Sh9,000), 11-13 years (Sh15,000, Sh12,000 and Sh10,000), and 14-15 years (Sh60,000, Sh40,000 and Sh20,000). ‎

Prize money trickles down to the top 30 across all categories. 

‎"This is the highest-paying cross-country race in the world. There is no other race that pays as much as Chepsaita," Korir added.

‎‎Beyond the prize money, Korir, who also chairs Athletics Kenya’s youth development docket, underscored the event’s wider impact. 

"We have various Cross Country races in AK, like the Sirikwa Cross Country and the National Cross Country, but Chepsaita is the most important one because it attracts many people," he said.

‎‎Race patron Farouk Kibet echoed Korir's sentiments, also tipping the third edition to be grand. ‎"By God's grace, this year we will have a bigger and better race."

‎Farouk, personal assistant to President William Ruto, said this year’s edition is not just about sport but also about uplifting the community.

‎‎"My dream has always been to educate as many children as possible. Last year, we were able to raise Sh16 million towards educating and uplifting the community; we want to raise Sh20 million this year."

‎"We also want to build more roads and connect more homes with power and clean water," Farouk said. 

‎Apart from raising funds for education, the patron also sees the race as an avenue to develop the nation's next stars.

 ‎"Chepsaita has always been about nurturing future talents, and we want to make it better for our young boys and girls," he added.

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