Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii is leading preparations for this year’s highly anticipated Chepsaita Cross Country Marathon set to take place on December 7, 2024 at Chepkemel Secondary School in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County.
The event’s sponsor, Farouk Kibet, stated that it will help needy kids in the neighborhood in addition to competitors.
“Our theme for this year is Run and Educate because this event offers young athletes the chance to expose their talents while also giving them an opportunity to better their education through scholarships,” Farouk stated.
In addition to the cash prizes for the winners, the first 100 finishers for each race will receive scholarships that will be awarded to the needy children in the Chepsaita Community.
Other events planned for that day include a free medical camp, a display of the local community’s cultural heritage, and tree planting to promote sustainability.
While inspecting the progress of the preparations, Governor Jonathan Bii insisted that the county is committed to nurturing talents.
“As a sports powerhouse, we are committed to nurturing talent. Registration is still open, and this event, set to take place on the 7th of next month, promises to be a highlight on the calendar as a prestigious World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold circuit,” said the governor.
The race involves the whole community, with categories catering to all age groups. Below are the categories.
- Age 5-7 years (500 m)
- Age 8-10 years (1 km)
- Age 11-13 years (2 km)
- Age 14-15 years (4 km)
- Under 20 women (6 km)
- Under 20 men (8 km)
- Senior women (8 km)
- Senior men (10 km)
- Senior citizens (46-55 years): 2 km
- Senior citizens (56-69 years): 1 km
- Senior citizens (70 years and above): 500 m
One of the victors of the inaugural cross-country marathon was Selina Ng’etich, a 62-year-old resident of Chepsaita Village. She received a cow.
