By Robert Kibet
NAIROBI, October 5, 2025: When the Great Chepsaita Gold Label Cross Country Run Gold Label flags off its third edition on December 6, the spotlight will not only shine on elite stars but also on the Under-20 athletes and children who represent the future of Kenyan athletics.
Race Chairman and NOCK First Vice President Barnaba Korir says the event was conceived with a vision that goes far beyond running: it is about blending talent with opportunity, nurturing the next generation, and empowering entire communities.
For the Under-20 category, Chepsaita has introduced one of the most lucrative prize structures ever seen in youth athletics. Winners will walk away with Ksh 200,000, 150,000, and 100,000 for the top three positions, with fourth place earning Ksh 60,000.
What makes Chepsaita unique is its inclusivity; rewards extend all the way to position 30, ensuring that no effort goes unrecognized. In total, a remarkable Ksh 1.8 million will be shared among young runners in this category alone.
“This is not just prize money,” Korir explains. “It is empowerment. It gives our young athletes motivation, and at the same time eases the burden for their families. We are teaching them early that through discipline and hard work, rewards will come.”
But the youth focus doesn’t end with the Under-20s. The children’s races are equally groundbreaking. For the 5–7 year-old category, winners will take home Ksh 10,000, 8,000, and 6,000, respectively, with rewards increasing for the top 30 finishers, each receiving at least Ksh 1,000. The 8–10 year-olds will earn 12,000, 10,000, and 9,000 for the top three, while those aged 13–15 will be awarded 20,000, 18,000, and 16,000, again with recognition extended to position 30.
According to Korir, the idea is to instill in children the mentality of working to earn. “We want kids to understand that running is not just fun, it can also support families and transform lives. That is why we make sure every child is appreciated, not just the winners,” he says.
Beyond the prize money, Chepsaita Cross Country is a vehicle for broader youth development. The theme of this year’s race, “Running for Education,” highlights how athletics can open doors to learning.
Funds raised, more than Ksh 20 million, will go toward supporting needy students to remain in school. In addition, medical camps ahead of the race provide free health check-ups, while the event has also spurred infrastructure growth, from better roads and electricity to Safaricom’s KSh 80 million school block in the locality.
The race further creates platforms for exposure. In a unique move, one male and one female winner will each be awarded a fully-funded return ticket to watch the World Cross Country Championships in January, an initiative Korir says is about giving young athletes inspiration and international experience.
With more than 20,000 spectators expected, Chepsaita also fuels economic empowerment as locals set up stalls to earn from the event. But for the youth, the legacy is clear: recognition, opportunity, and a pathway to becoming Kenya’s next generation of champions.
