The 2026 Chepsaita Cross Country Run links athletics with education support for local children.
Geoffrey Kamworor urges young athletes to enter the December 5 race, which also supports education scholarships for local children.
Two-time New York City Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor has urged young athletes to embrace cross country as a career foundation. He spoke during the launch of the 2026 Chepsaita Cross Country Run in Uasin Gishu.
The December 5 event combines competition with its Running for Education cause, supporting scholarships for local children. Kamworor encouraged emerging runners to enter, citing both the sporting opportunity and the education initiative.
Chepsaita Cross Country offers a starting point
Kamworor, a three-time World Cross Country champion, credited the discipline with shaping his own athletics career. He described its demanding courses as an important starting point for athletes seeking long-term success.
The former World Half Marathon champion also pointed to Faith Kipyegon as an athlete who began in cross country. He urged young runners to build their foundations on those courses before moving into road racing.
Meanwhile, Chicago Marathon champion Amos Kipruto encouraged participants to use the December contest to launch their careers. The former London Marathon winner also urged aspiring competitors to train hard and avoid doping.
Kipruto highlighted the race’s community role alongside its sporting purpose. He praised the link between sport and education, while encouraging athletes to pursue prize money through disciplined preparation rather than shortcuts.
Scholarships and Gold Level recognition
World Road Running silver medallist Caroline Gitonga also encouraged athletes from Kenya and abroad to take part. She said their participation would strengthen the event’s goal of providing academic scholarships to children from the local community.
For Gitonga, that education theme offered a strong reason to join the December race. Kipruto similarly stressed that the event serves the wider community, not just athletes pursuing competitive success.
Chepsaita ranks among the season’s 15 Gold Level cross country races. Athletics Kenya youth director Barnaba Korir attributed its elevation to the quality of its organisation.
It is Kenya’s second World Athletics Gold Level cross country event after the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour. That race takes place annually at Lobo Village, also in Uasin Gishu.
Beyond the recognition, Korir said the event could help produce successful athletes and contribute to community development.
