Robert Kiprop celebrating after successfully defending Iten Cross Country 10km elite race ..photo Peter Njoroge
The bib collections for the Great Chepsaita Cross Country is ongoing at the Dr. Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex in Kapsabet, Nandi County.
The process began on Monday, December 2nd, at the Elgeyo Marakwet County offices, and about 600 athletes across various categories have already collected their running numbers.
The collection process will continue tomorrow (December 3rd) at the Eldoret Sports Club before moving to Chepsaita for two days to allow all registered runners to collect their running numbers ahead of race day on Saturday, December 7th.
Reigning All-Africa Games 5,000m and Nairobi City Half Marathon champion Robert Kiprop is among the elite runners who have already collected their running numbers in Iten. Kiprop stated that he is aiming for victory after finishing fourth in 23 minutes and 33 seconds during last year’s inaugural race.
The race was won by 2023 World Cross Country U20 champion Ishmael Rokitto Kipkurui (23:16). Edwin Bett (23:21) and Fredrick Namongole (23:24) secured second and third positions, respectively.
“I am preparing to win the race. Last year, I had an injury and finished fourth, but this year I am well-prepared for the stiff competition in the senior race. I tested myself during the third Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series in Iten, where the ideal weather conditions helped me gauge my preparations. Successfully defending my title was a big plus for me,” said Kiprop.
Meanwhile, in the women’s U20 category, Alice Chemtai and Abigael Chemngagei are hoping to rewrite history with podium finishes on Saturday after disappointing performances in the inaugural race.
The duo has achieved podium finishes during the 2024/25 Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series. Chemtai has consistently secured second place in Kapsokwony, Iten, and Bomet.
“I am well-prepared for Chepsaita. My target is victory. I have gained experience in race execution. Last year was my first race, and being inexperienced, I made mistakes that resulted in a 30th-place finish. Hopefully, I will represent my camp, Kiprun, well and build a strong profile as I transition to the senior level,” said Chemtai.
Her teammate, Chemngagei, who finished 34th last year, has shown significant improvement this season. She placed third in Kapsokwony and Iten and finished 17th during the fourth series in Bomet on Saturday. She will be relying on teamwork as they complete their final preparations.
