Chepsaita Gears Up for Record-Breaking Third Edition of the Great Cross Country Run

 Excitement is building across the North Rift as preparations for the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run – Third Edition enter the final stretch. With the event scheduled for December 6, organisers, athletes, and residents say this year’s edition is poised to become the most historic yet—both in scale and community impact.

On Tuesday, race patron Sir Farouk Kibet led a high-level delegation from Athletics Kenya and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on a comprehensive inspection of the Chepsaita course. The team evaluated terrain readiness, safety arrangements, volunteer coordination, and athlete support facilities. Speaking after the tour, Sir Farouk expressed full satisfaction with the preparations, assuring participants that the event is on track.

“Matayarisho ya Chepsaita yako safi kabisa,” he said. “Preparations have progressed excellently, and we are confident that everything will be ready well ahead of schedule. This year, we elevate the experience for athletes, spectators, and the entire community.”

Community at the Heart of the Run

Beyond the competition, the Chepsaita Run continues to strengthen its identity as a community-driven event. Organisers announced that a free medical camp—open to all residents—will be held next Tuesday as part of pre-race activities. The camp will offer general check-ups, maternal health services, screenings, and wellness consultations, reinforcing the event’s commitment to public health and social welfare.

Sir Farouk affirmed that the Chepsaita Run is designed to change lives, not just crown champions. He highlighted the remarkable expansion of the event’s scholarship initiative, which supports bright but financially challenged students from the region.

“In its first year, the scholarship kitty stood at KSh 100,000,” he noted. “Today, we have grown it to KSh 750,000, a testament to how far this event has come and how deeply committed we are to empowering our children. Chepsaita isn’t just a race—ni mbio ya matumaini, elimu, na nafasi mpya kwa watoto wetu.”

Unprecedented Athlete Turnout

The race has also achieved a major milestone in participation. NOCK Deputy President Barnabas Korir confirmed that registrations officially closed this week, with a record 10,000 athletes signed up. This includes elite runners, emerging talents, school teams, community runners, and guests from across the country.

Such massive turnout, Korir noted, reflects Chepsaita’s growing stature as one of Kenya’s premier cross-country events. “The numbers speak for themselves. Chepsaita is now a national fixture—an event athletes look forward to, not only for competition but for the spirit of unity and opportunity it represents.”

A Growing Legacy

Since its inception, the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run has steadily carved out a reputation as a home of champions. Its challenging terrain, vibrant fan culture, and strong community backing have turned it into a nurturing ground for young athletic talent while promoting tourism, economic activity, and social cohesion in the region.

Local businesses are already reporting increased traffic as visitors trickle in for early preparations, while hotels and homestays indicate near-full bookings. Roads have been graded, spectator zones prepared, and volunteer teams trained to handle diverse race-day needs.

Ready for the Big Day

As the countdown continues, the mood in Chepsaita is electric. From schoolchildren practicing their chants to local groups fine-tuning cultural performances, the community is preparing to offer athletes an unforgettable experience.

“Chepsaita is ready. The athletes are ready. The community is ready,” organisers declared. “This year, we run for a greater purpose—celebrating talent, uplifting education, and strengthening unity.”