Chepsaita Cross Country Race Organisers Finalise Plans as Global Spotlight Turns to Tomorrow’s Event
The beneficiaries will be formally recognized during tomorrow’s ceremony, further cementing the race’s role in empowering the local youth.
The patron disclosed that the leading male and female winners in the under-20 category will enjoy the coveted prize of traveling with Team Kenya to the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. Photo/Achieng Kemuma
By Brenda Muriithi
Final touches are underway in Chepsaita as organisers of the renowned Chepsaita Cross Country Race confirmed that everything is in place ahead of Saturday’s much-awaited competition. The race, now recognised as one of Africa’s leading gold-label events, is expected to draw a record-breaking turnout and heightened international attention.
During a media briefing, Athletics Kenya officials announced that almost 10,000 athletes have registered for the 2025 edition, in what will be one of the biggest fields in the history of the event. The participants include young children competing in introductory races, and established stars in senior and under-20 categories. Organizers hailed the growth that has been witnessed by the event in the last three years, pointing out improved infrastructure, increased athlete participation, and deeper involvement from the local community.
Several elite runners have already settled in Eldoret ahead of the race, while others are finalizing anti-doping compliance procedures in line with global athletics regulations. The organisers underscored that the welfare of the athletes and fair competition remains key.
A major highlight of the Chepsaita Race is its exceptional prize package, considered the highest for any cross-country event globally. The top three finishers in the senior men and women categories will walk away with KSh 750,000, KSh 500,000, and KSh 300,000, respectively. The under-20 races will also feature extensive rewards, with monetary prizes extending to the top 30 athletes-a move aimed at nurturing future champions.
This year’s event will once again champion the theme “Running for Education.” Through the initiative, 22 learning institutions have already benefited from KSh 1 million each, funds used to support students in need of school fees and other learning materials. The beneficiaries will be formally recognized during tomorrow’s ceremony, further cementing the race’s role in empowering the local youth.
The patron disclosed that the leading male and female winners in the under-20 category will enjoy the coveted prize of traveling with Team Kenya to the 2026 World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida. Organizers have since assured the public that arrangements for passports and visas will be fast-tracked, to make sure the team is best prepared for the global stage.
Meanwhile, the technical team has confirmed that all the logistics from timing technology to start guns passed inspection according to World Athletics standards. A full dress rehearsal happened this morning, which included national and international officials, volunteers, and the environmental “green team,” signaling the full readiness of the competition.
Racing will start at 2:00 PM, beginning with the girls’ 14–15 4 km category and working its way through the day’s schedule before concluding with the elite men’s and women’s 10 km races in the evening. There will be entertainment throughout the day, and organisers are encouraging fans to stick around for the closing award ceremony. With a strong international participation, so far from Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Djibouti, South Sudan, the United States, European nations, and others confirmed, global attention has shifted to Chepsaita, where organisers have pledged a flawless and energetic event that reinforces the race’s rising status as one of the world’s premier cross-country competitions.
About Author
