Chepsaita Cross Country Race: Rising Stars Shine in Women’s U20 6km and Men’s U20 8km
Patron Farouk Kibet said this year’s edition was deliberately structured to highlight young athletes, explaining that the Masters category was excluded to give upcoming runners more room to compete.
Queens of the trail! Joan Chepkirui, Mercy Kirwa & Fancy Chepkorir conquer the Chepsaita Cross Country Run with unstoppable grit. Photo/Courtesy
By Brenda Muriithi
The Chepsaita Cross Country Race has continued to grow into one of Kenya’s most vibrant athletics events, drawing over 8,500 participants from 22 countries for its 2025 edition. The event, running for the third consecutive year, has cemented its reputation as a launchpad for emerging athletics talent.
Race director Barnaba Korir was pleased with the increased turnout, saying that the gradual rise reflects the success of Kenya’s youth development programs. He noticed how the combination of young runners and established athletes showcases the progress made in bringing up future stars. “We are now seeing the fruits of our efforts,” Korir said, adding the event’s yearly growth shows that even more promise lies ahead for Kenya’s athletic pipeline.
Success for Joan Chepkurui in the women’s U20 6km
On the course, newcomer Joan Chepkurui put on a commanding performance to take the gold medal at her first attempt. Despite Chepsaita’s steep climbs and rough terrain, she ran composed and confident throughout the Women’s Under-20 6km race.
“It was a hard course, especially the climbs, but I prepared well,” she said following her victory. “I am so happy to win here on my first attempt because this race tests everything — strength, patience, and focus.”
Mercy Kirwa Battles Strong Winds to Secure Second
Making her first appearance at Chepsaita, Mercy Kirwa conquered windy conditions as she claimed second. She arrived at the event looking sharper and faster following a fourth-place finish in Kapsokwony. “It was windy and challenging, but the course suited me,” she said. Kirwa added that she is now shifting her focus to the 1500m and 5000m ahead of the new season.
Fancy Chepkorir Stages Stunning Comeback to Finish Third
Fancy Chepkorir was one of the day’s most significant movers, coming in third place after finishing 17th last year. Running aggressively on the hills, she remained at the front end of the leading pack throughout. “The race wasn’t easy since there were hills, but I’ve improved a lot,” she said, crediting her training under world champion Beatrice Chebet.
Kariankei Dominates Men’s U20 8km
Kelvin Kariankei, a Form Four student, put on a dominant display to win the Men’s Under-20 8km race. Running on home ground as a student at Chepsaita Secondary School, he kept discipline and strong pacing throughout the challenge of the course.
“This race was tough, but it helped me gauge my form,” he said. According to Kariankei, missing a podium finish during the National Cross Country Championships was the motivation that he had needed to push harder. He also celebrated his selection to travel to Florida for the World Cross Country Championships.
Kipchirchir takes second with confidence.
Emmanuel Kipchirchir came in second, not far behind, to show the advantages of good preparation. “The race was good, and I knew what to expect after preparing well,” he said. His performance marked an improvement from his fourth-place finish at the National Championships.
Meriokal Secures Third in Strong Showing
Alex Meriokal took third place after a determined run on the hilly course. “The race was tough, but my training paid off, and I thank God for this podium place,” he said. Fresh from finishing fifth at the National Championships and having just completed high school, he now aims to compete in the 10,000m next season.
Patron Farouk Kibet: Emphasis on Youth Talent
Chepsaita Cross Country patron Farouk Kibet said this year’s edition was deliberately structured to highlight young athletes, explaining that the Masters category was excluded to give upcoming runners more room to compete. “We wanted the young athletes to showcase their talent this year,” he said. Kibet also announced that the U20 winners would go to Florida for the World Cross Country Championships, something important for the development of any athlete. He assured them that the next edition would come with even more improvements and bigger opportunities: “Next year will be bigger, and the prizes will help change athletes’ lives.”
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