Organizers of the second edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country have announced that the course has been modified to accommodate more athletes in the race scheduled for Saturday 7 December.The inaugural event in 2023 attracted both seasoned and amateur athletes.This year, the race has been upgraded to a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold circuit, allowing established stars from around the world to participate.##NAJAVA_MECA_8457019##While last year’s course was under 2 km, this year’s course meets World Athletics qualification standards.Elite athletes will cover 10 km, while junior men and women will run 8 km and 6 km, respectively.Kids’ athletics will feature distances like 500 meters, among others.Speaking exclusively to Athletics News, race director Barnaba Korir, who inspected the course, highlighted that with the event’s elevation to a golden label, all competing athletes must meet set standards.“Last year, we covered a shorter distance, but this time we are doing a full course to World Athletics standards, even though it’s tough. This race has become one of the premier Gold Label events, and we expect many top competitors. Our aim is to make the course runner-friendly and create opportunities for local participants,” Korir said.Eliud Kipchoge returns to shorter races after inking lucrative dealKorir, who is also the Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director, mentioned that online registration is underway and that they will cap participation at Ksh800 athletes per event.“We want the local community to benefit from this race. Last year’s event was successful, and we aim to build on it to make a greater impact. Most of the prize funds will stay within the community,” he added.Hellen Obiri’s ambitious plans ahead of New York MarathonIn addition to cash prizes, this year’s event will award scholarships to the top 100 finishers in each race, benefiting underprivileged children in the Chepsaita Community.Athletes can run to earn scholarships for themselves, their children, or other children in need.In last year’s inaugural edition, former Africa Under-20 1500m silver medalist Edinah Jebitok and former world cross-country junior champion Ishmael Kipkurui claimed victory in their respective races.
