Organisers of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country gold-level event have announced that future editions will be held over two days in a bid to ensure required international standards are adhered to.
Speaking during the race’s second edition last Saturday in Chepsaita, Race Director Barnaba Korir stated that the first day will be dedicated to kids and masters events, while the second day will be dedicated to the main four categories: under 20 boys and girls, as well as the 10 km senior races.
“We have seen that this is a global event, and the results speak for themselves. But we are very happy with the way we organised it, and it met all the requirements for international standards. However, the numbers are too many. And we have to see now how we handle it next year. And we are thinking now, because of the kind of magnitude that we have seen, we might now think to make it a two-day event so that the events that are local, like for the youth and for the seniors, we can do on the 1st day. The 2nd day, now we do the international event according to the international status.“ said Korir
This year’s event, the first since the race was elevated from bronze to gold status, drew over 10,000 entries across all categories.
A large crowd of spectators cheering on their own champions was a true monument to the region’s passion for the sport, as well as a terrific opportunity for competitors to socialise and earn some money from the race.
Uganda’s Loice Chekwoi and Ethiopia’s Mekides Shimeles dominated the 10 km senior women’s race, claiming gold and silver, respectively, driving the audience wild, while home girl Celestine Biwot only managed bronze.
The fierce competition, particularly in the 10 km women’s race, confirmed the event’s worldwide prominence, with over ten competitors from various nationalities competing in 10 km races for both men and women.
Korir hailed the race’s concept and course, as well as the organisation, which demonstrated the country’s potential to host international sports events.
“The community is benefiting directly because now the theme of this event is running for education. Running for education is where now it directly touches the community, the parents, and the teachers, because the young kids will get support from the money that is raised now. The schools that have directly benefitted already, children will attend schools from this region. Each school will get 1,000,000 shillings, and that 1,000,000 shillings will be divided into 10 categories. And that one now, we have 100 students who may be paying their school fees in 1 school.“ Reiterated Korir
To summarise, the presence of African Athletics Confederation President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum at the second edition was a watershed point for the race’s prestige.
Three-time Olympic champion in 1,500m Faith Kipyegon, as well as the greatest marathoner, Eliud Kipchoge, who attended the race, called on the Sports CS, Kipchumba Murkomen, to increase funding to sports-orientated government projects.
Farouk Kibet, the race patron and organiser, disclosed intentions to expand hospitality facilities in the area, which will give both employment prospects for the youth and a social transformation platform for the residents from Uasin Gishu and neighbouring counties of Bungoma,Kakamega,Vihiga and Tranz Nzoia.
