The inaugural Great Chepsaita Cross country course has been reduced to less than 2km loop to save athletes from the tough terrain of the venue.
The event is scheduled for December 2 at the Chepsaita Secondary School in Uasin Gishu County.
Organisers led by Barnaba Korir, race patron Farouk Kibet, and Athletics Kenya (AK) Central Rift chairman Abraham Mutai unveiled a course that will cover 1.77km instead of the normal 2 km loop.
Mutai said they had taken the move because the course is not only tough but the area, is also high altitude.
“This area’s elevation is higher and we need to ensure everybody is comfortable and runs well. As we speak, the course is out and will also cover both hilly and flat areas,” said Mutai.
However, Mutai said it is because of the difficult course that they had set aside lucrative prizes including money and farm machinery among others.
According to the schedule, junior women cover 4.91km away from the 6km while the junior men’s distance has been reduced from 8km to 6.48km.
The senior men and women will cover 8.05km instead of the usual 10km. AK Central Rift secretary, Kennedy Tanui said the distances are within the law because of the high altitude situation.
“The maximum altitude is 2051m while the minimum altitude is 2022m meaning we have an elevation of 29m along the course,” said Tanui.
Korir said the race is an added opportunity for the region to nurture more young athletes at the grassroots. “I have walked on this course, and I can assure you, It is not easy.
He, however, noted that it will provide a good build-up for the athletes who are preparing for the world cross country and Olympics.
“They should come and compete here ahead of the next year’s packed calendar,” insisted Korir.
Farouk said he expects the race, which is being held in a village setting to attract more stars and he will do everything to ensure it meets international standards.
“Initially, we have been traveling to Eldoret to watch races but now, it is the turn of people in Eldoret to travel to this village and watch this race.
"Things are changing. Apart from that, we also want to make this event an international one. We shall do what is needed to meet all the standards that World Athletics requires to attract foreign athletes,” said Farouk.
