World Road Running Championships half marathon silver medalist Daniel Simiu and world cross country junior champion Ishmael Kipkurui are set to headline the inaugural Chepsaita Cross Country this Saturday at Chepsaita High School in Uasin Gishu County.
Expressing his hunger for victory, Simiu, the New Delhi half marathon champion, is eager to showcase his dominance in cross country events.
The race, part of Simiu’s endurance training, is strategically planned ahead of the world cross country championships scheduled for Belgrade, Serbia, next year.
Simiu stated, “I am seriously hungry for more victories. I want to perform better than I have ever.” He sees the challenging course as an opportunity to test his endurance and fitness, considering it a crucial step in his preparation for upcoming competitions.
The 18 years old world cross country junior champion Kipkirui will compete in the senior category, demonstrating his determination to challenge himself against more experienced runners. His coach, Barnaba Kitilit, mentioned that Kipkirui prefers competing in the senior ranks for the recognition and rewards they offer.
The organizers have allocated a substantial prize purse of Sh5 million to be distributed among the top-performing athletes. Abraham Mutai, Athletics Kenya Central Rift chairman, expects a significant turnout, especially among elite runners gearing up for the new season and the World Cross Country Championships.
The event will also feature participants with disabilities, and discussions are ongoing regarding the distance they will cover and the corresponding prize money.
Kennedy Tanui, the race’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the uniqueness of the event, emphasizing its high-altitude setting and challenging terrain with tricky obstacles, hills, and inclines. Tanui clarified that it is not a traditional trail run but a demanding course designed to test the athletes’ skills and stamina.
