The second edition of the Chepsaita Cross Country, to be held on 7th Dec 2024, is shaping up to be more than just a race, with its patron, Farouk Kibet, emphasizing the dual focus on sports and community development.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Kibet highlighted how the race serves as a platform to enhance infrastructure while nurturing both talent and education.
“The first thing is that we are not only running but also expanding development projects such as electricity projects, water, schools, and hospitals,” he said. “The second thing is that we also want to develop talents and education concurrently in this part.
What we are encouraging is that if you can run and have talent while pursuing education, it can help you a lot in the future.”
Kibet pointed out a recurring issue in athletics: the lack of financial literacy and education among some runners.
“There are many people who see the importance of running but do not see the need to be educated,” he remarked.“There are many athletes who have run for many years and do not study well in life and end up being harassed by their managers to alarming levels.”
A runner runs; he wins but cannot even tell you about his income.”
Legendary Kenyan athlete Geoffrey Kamworor, a two-time New York City Marathon champion, echoed Kibet’s sentiments.
Praising the event and its goals, Kamworor noted the high standards of the cross-country course, which meets international criteria as a gold-label race.
“I have seen the running course, and it is the best because it meets international standards and is also a gold-label cross country.
“I think it’s the second one in Uasin Gishu, which is really a big race,” Kamworor said.
He also lauded the event’s efforts to combine sports and education. “I’m happy because the race nurtures young talents, as the patron Farouk Kibet has said. Education goes hand in hand with talent; when you have both, you can manage yourself like us world champions. That’s why we are supporting this.”
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea added his voice to the support, commending Farouk Kibet’s vision and its expected impact on the local community.
The Chepsaita Cross Country is not just a race but a beacon of hope and opportunity for young athletes, combining the thrill of competition with a lasting legacy of education and infrastructure development.
