Chepsaita Cross Country Run Set to Take Global Stage on December 6
Running under the theme “Run for Education,” the event continues to champion educational support for vulnerable learners. Event patron Faruk Kibet confirmed that more than KSh 22 million has been allocated to 22 schools in the region.
Event patron Faruk Kibet confirmed that more than KSh 22 million has been allocated to 22 schools in the region.Photo/Achieng Kemuma
By Achieng Kemuma
The Athletic Kenya {Ak} local organizing committee has finalized all preparations for the third edition of the Chepsaita Cross Country Run, set for December 6, 2025, at Chepsaita Grounds within Chepkemel Secondary School in Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.
Organizers say this year’s participation is at an unprecedented international level, projecting to have athletes from 41 different countries take part—well over the minimum five required by World Athletics. This makes the Chepsaita event one of the most diverse cross-country competitions on the global calendar.
Running under the theme “Run for Education,” the event continues to champion educational support for vulnerable learners. Event patron Faruk Kibet confirmed that more than KSh 22 million has been allocated to 22 schools in the region. Each institution received KSh 1 million to facilitate secondary education for 100 needy students. Kibet added that every beneficiary who completes high school under the program will receive KSh 10,000 upon graduation.
Athletics Kenya Nairobi Region Chairman Barnaba Korir praised the momentum the race has gained since its inception, noting that preparations were completed earlier than expected. Korir described the event as “one of the fastest-growing athletics competitions globally.” He revealed that registration for the senior men’s, senior women’s, and under-20 races closed three weeks ahead of schedule due to overwhelming turnout. Nearly 100 elite runners from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, and several European countries have already confirmed participation. Total turnout across all categories is projected to reach 10,000 athletes, including fully booked children’s races for ages 5 to 15.
Organizers have redesigned the course layout to meet rising international standards, introduced on-site tented accommodation for foreign participants, and strengthened both security and spectator management systems. In a major boost to competition, prize money for the senior men’s and women’s champions has jumped from KSh 100,000 to KSh 750,000.
Both Korir and Kibet reaffirmed that the event has strict anti-doping policies, and all winners will be subjected to mandatory testing before prizes are awarded. Kibet also announced that he intends to personally sponsor one deserving male and one female athlete to fly Kenya’s flag at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Florida, with full expenses covered.
With the backing of Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Jackson Tuwei and strong support from Chepsaita residents, organizers expressed their confidence that Kenyan athletes would reclaim top honors after East African rivals outshone them in the previous edition. The 2025 Chepsaita Cross Country Run is expected to further cement its status among the most important international athletics events, mixing world-class competition with a strong social message.
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