Ababu graces launch of Chepsaita cross country championship

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba was the chief guest during the official launch of the Chepsaita Cross Country Championship on Wednesday at the Weston Hotel, Nairobi.

The newest cross-country race in the Athletica Kenya calendar will take place on December 2, 2023, at Chepsaita, Uasin Gishu County.

"This morning, CS @AbabuNamwamba was the Chief Guest at the launch of ‘The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run, a discovery edition that adds to the elite national circuits under the Athletics Kenya Lens," a statement from Ababu's X platform read.

"Organizers of the championship touted it as the best-paid cross-country edition with winners in various categories expected to bag a lucrative 100,000 Kenya Shillings Prize money, with all the top 30 athletes being rewarded."

The course has been reduced to less than 2km loop to save athletes from the tough terrain of the venue.

More than Sh7 million has been earmarked as prize money for winners in several categories.

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. 

Organisers would use the event to have a national conversation on doping, reiterating the need to sensitize athletes about the dangers of doping.