- Samwel Chebolei and Loice Chekwemoi won the senior men’s and women’s categories respectively.
- Several elite Kenyan runners including Faith Kipyegon and Eliud Kipchoge attended the event to support upcoming athletes.
- Winners in different categories received various awards including prize money.
Epic battles were witnessed in the 2024 Chepsaita Cross Country run that was staged in Uasin Gishu County on Saturday.
Samuel Chebolei showed other participants dust in the 10km men’s senior category to escape with the title.
Chebolei powered to the finishing line in an impressive time of 30:49 as congratulatory claps from the spectators rendered the air.
He was followed by his fellow countrymen Robert Kiprop and Mathew Kipkoech, who crossed the finishing line in 30:58 and 31:12 respectively.
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Uganda’s Loice Chekwemoi rules women’s event
In the women’s category, Uganda’s Loice Chekwemoi overcame a deep field to clinch the prestigious title in 34:33.
She was followed by Ethiopia’s Meledes Shimes, with home girl Celestine Biwott settling for a third-place finish.
Shimes approached the finishing line with her hands held up in the air and went on to register a time of 35:58. On the other hand, Biwott managed a time of 36:44.
Similar to the senior categories, the junior events were also very competitive. The U20 girls 6km and U20 boys 8km crowns went to Kevin Kiprop Biwott and Cynthia Chepkirui respectively.
Chepkurui turned on the gears in the closing stages of the race to cut the tape in an encouraging time of 21:19 while Biwott clocked 24:37.
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Elsewhere, youngsters Nahashon Kibet and Gloria Chepagogo had the last laugh in the boys (8-10 years) 1km and girls 2km (11-13 years) categories in that order.
This year’s event was attended by various Kenyan athletes including retired ones. Some of the legends who graced the competition are Olympic Games 3000m steeplechase champions Ezekiel Kemboi and Conseslus Kipruto and the legendary Kipchoge Keino.
Faith Kipyegon’s plea to Kenyans
Meanwhile, Faith Kipyegon, Eliud Kipchoge, Julius Yego, and Abraham Kibiwott were among the active athletes who spared their time to go and support the upcoming champions.
Speaking during the event, Kipyegon asked Kenyans of goodwill to support young talents and help them realize their dreams.
“I am happy with today’s race, especially seeing young kids running like me in the past, it really gladdens my heart.
Seeing these young kids running barefoot reminds me of many years ago when I used to also run barefoot, but now I am an Olympic and world champion. I hope these kids will get support and good coaches so that they can become the next Faith Kipyegon in future,” she stated.
The 1500m world record holder further urged upcoming athletes to embrace education so that they can be in a position to understand a lot of things and themselves better.
List of winners in the 2024 Chepsaita Cross Country Run
Senior Results
Men 10km senior category
Samwel Chebolei-30:49 (Kenya)
Robert Kiprop-30:58 (Kenya)
Mathew Kipkoech-31:12 (Kenya)
Women 10km senior category
Loice Chekwemei-34:33
Meledes Molla Shimes-35:58
Celestine Biwott-36:44
Junior Results
Boys U20 8km category winner: Kiprop Biwott-24:37 (Kenya)
Girls U20 6km category winner: Cynthia Chepkurui-21:19 (Kenya)
Boys (5-7 years) 500m category winner: Bramwel Kimutai (Kenya)
Girls (11-13 years) 2km category winner: Gloria Chepagogo (Kenya)
Boys (11-13 years) 2km category winner: Abel Ksang (Kenya)
Girls (14-15 years) category winner: Caren Chepngeno (Kenya)
Boys (14-15 years) category winner: Emmanuel Kiprono (Kenya)
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