Leaders Rally Behind Young Talent at 2025 Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run

Kenyan leaders have renewed calls to nurture young athletic talent as the 2025 Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run reached new heights, attracting record participation and cementing its status as one of Africa’s premier cross-country events.

Speaking at the Chepsaita Secondary School Grounds in Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula praised Kenya’s global athletic dominance, noting that the nation’s success is built on the resilience, discipline, and determination of its runners.

“Because of our athletes, there is no nation whose anthem is played across international capitals more than Kenya’s. Every time I see our boys and girls conquering the world, I feel proud to be Kenyan,” he said. Wetang’ula pledged continued support for the event and urged leaders to invest in opportunities that uplift emerging athletes.

PS Sports: Chepsaita Now Among Africa’s Top Cross Country Races

Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi said the tremendous growth of the event reflects Kenya’s vast potential for hosting competitive races and world-class athletic competitions.

“Today, I was honored to join national leaders, officials and athletes for the hugely competitive 3rd edition of the Chepsaita Cross Country Run in Chepsaita, Eldoret, as we collectively strive to promote the development of sporting talents in Kenya,” he said.

Mwangi noted that under the patronage of Farouk Kibet, the race has flourished in participation, logistical excellence, global recognition and prize incentives. Classified among the best 14 greatest cross country series in Kenya, Chepsaita is also one of the two Gold Level Cross Country Races in Africa, underscoring its rising international prominence.

This year’s edition drew a record 10,000 athletes, with Sh10 million awarded across 12 categories.

The event’s theme, “Running for Education,” strengthened the link between sports and schooling, with organisers presenting a Sh22 million cheque to 22 schools for education improvement initiatives.

“In all the races, I was impressed by the sheer display of running talent demonstrated by the athletes. From children, to junior men and women, to senior categories—Kenya is indeed a hotbed of athletics talent,” Mwangi said, reaffirming Chepsaita’s growing reputation as a stronghold for talent development.

Succession Planning in Athletics

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei echoed the need to expand Kenya’s talent pipeline.

“We must create spaces where, as some athletes retire, others emerge. We need to expand and protect our talent base to maintain our global dominance,” he said.

He assured communities of continued government collaboration to strengthen the race in future editions.

Youth Take the Spotlight

Event Patron Farouk Kibet said the 2025 competition deliberately excluded the Masters category to give young athletes greater visibility.

“This year was about showcasing youth talent. Next year will be bigger and better, with new additions to motivate more athletes to join,” he said.

Kibet announced that winners in the Under-20 category will travel to Florida to witness the World Cross Country Championships, an initiative aimed at inspiring emerging runners.

Education and Athletics Intersect

Principal Secretary for Basic Education Prof. Julius Bitok lauded organisers for blending sport with educational empowerment.

“This championship is special because it speaks to something I deeply care about—running for education. Education remains the key to the future, and every child must be encouraged to study hard,” he said.

Strong National Leadership Presence

The event drew a powerful delegation of national leaders, including:

• Speaker Moses Wetang’ula

• Head of Public Service Felix Koskei

• National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah

• Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot

• Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa

• Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu

• Principal Secretaries Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), Prof. Julius Bitok (Education) and Joel Arumonyang (Public Works)

• Various MPs and county officials

A Premier Grassroots Athletics Hub

The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run continues to affirm its place as a world-class grassroots athletics event—uniting communities, elevating young athletes, and showcasing Kenya’s unrivaled talent on the global stage.