The Chepsaita Cross Country has emerged as a transformative event, significantly boosting the profile of the Chepkemel Athletics Kenya Junior Camp by attracting a wave of junior athletes eager to hone their skills in the high-altitude region.
A Platform for Rising Stars
The Chepkemel camp, the first of its kind in the area, has nurtured top talents, including captain Mercy Cheruto, Judy Chepkeoch, and Joyline Chepkemoi, who represented Kenya in the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru.
Cheruto credits the camp for her progress:
“Training here has been a blessing. Competing in the 3,000m has become more manageable because of the excellent coaching and resources available. I am confident about performing well at the Africa Under-20/18 Championships,” she said.
The Chepsaita Advantage
Camp coordinator Stephen Kimaiyo described the camp as unique due to its high-altitude location and the success of the Chepsaita Cross Country event, which has drawn widespread attention from aspiring athletes.
“We host the Chepsaita Cross Country, which has become a magnet for young athletes. Currently, we have 50 athletes in the camp—38 girls and 12 boys. Many want to join because of our winning reputation,” said Kimaiyo.
He emphasized the region’s suitability for athletics:
“This area has ideal weather and altitude for training. While Iten was once the go-to destination, Chepsaita’s discovery has shifted the norm. We’re seeing more girls taking up athletics here, which is inspiring.”
National and International Success
Robert Ngisirei, head coach of the Under-20 team, praised the impact of the Chepsaita Cross Country:
“This event has been instrumental in preparing athletes for national and international success. Athletes like Chepkeoch and Chepkemoi, who participated in the trials for the Under-20 World Championships, owe their progress to the opportunities provided here. The camp is vital for the transition to senior-level competition.”
Ngisirei also highlighted the broader significance of Kenya’s 54 junior camps, which collectively prepare athletes for prestigious events like the Africa Under-20 and Under-18 Championships.
The Future of Chepkemel and Chepsaita
The Chepkemel camp continues to attract junior athletes, solidifying its role as a training ground for Kenya’s future champions. With the sustained popularity of the Chepsaita Cross Country and its reputation for excellence, the region is poised to remain a cornerstone of Kenya’s athletics success.
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