Two-time Olympic marathon champion and three-time Olympic 1,500m champion will headline the second edition of the Great Cross-Country Run, set to take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Uasin Gishu County.
The event, themed is dedicated to supporting education for underprivileged children in the community.
A mental health crisis in sports has forced Eliud Kipchoge to urge young athletes to prioritize career and values over money, hoping to guide them away from depression and doping risks.
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated event, Kipchoge expressed his passion for the initiative, emphasizing its impact on education.
“I will be running for education as you know education is the ultimate equalizer,” Kipchoge said.
The Great Chepsaita Cross-Country Run, launched last year, seeks to combine athletic excellence with community empowerment.
Despite being a three-time Olympic champion, Ethiopian-born Dutch phenomenon Siffan Hassan does not own a home, and her coach has revealed the reason why.
Event patron Farouk Kibet reiterated its dual focus on nurturing young athletic talent and creating educational opportunities.
“Our theme for this year is Run and Educate because this event offers young athletes the chance to expose their talents while also giving them an opportunity to better their education through scholarships,” said Kibet in a past interview.
This year’s proceeds will go toward refurbishing the nearby Chepsaita Secondary School, while the top 100 finishers in each of the 11 competition categories will earn scholarships.
Beatrice Chebet is not resting on her laurels as she chases more success for herself in 2025 following her illustrious 2024 season.
The initiative allows participants to compete not just for themselves but also for others in the community, enabling winners to donate scholarships to needy children.
The event targets 10,000 competitors and promises an array of engaging activities alongside the races, including tree planting to promote sustainability, a free medical camp, and a cultural exhibition showcasing local heritage.
Organizers hope to make a broader impact through these complementary programs.
Decision to hang up spikes after becoming the first man to win three consecutive 100m and 200m Olympic gold medals backfired
Last year’s inaugural edition saw stellar performances from the 2022 World Cross Country Junior Champion Ishmael Kipkurui and Edinah Jebitok in the senior men’s and women’s 8km categories.