It will be a golden opportunity for the under 20 athletes who will win the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run, the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label event set for tomorrow at the Chepkemel Dispensary in Uasin Gishu County.
The event as organizers, led by patron Farouk Kibet and race director Barnaba Korir said that the winners both men and women in the 8km and 6km categories will earn gain an opportunity to travel to the USA to watch the 2026 World cross Country championships set for January 10th at the Tallahassee, Florida.
Korir, who serves as confirmed that winners in the U-20 category will earn a golden opportunity.
“Once winners are identified tomorrow, Athletics Kenya will ensure they join the World Cross Country residential camp in Embu,” he revealed.
“AK will also assist in securing travel documents so they can accompany Team Kenya to Tallahassee, Florida as observers during the World Cross Country next January.”
At the same time, Samwel Chebole Masai will be facing off with South African Werner Frederik Kotze on his way to defend the title.
According to the start list released by Athletics Kenya, Chebole will be set for the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label event to rediscover his winning rhythm.
Last year, he won the race in 30:49 ahead of Robert Kiprop (30:58) and Mathew Kipruto (31:12).
Among the biggest foreign names is South Africa’s Phemelo Matshaba, the 2023 African U-20 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist.
“I’m here for the experience. I specialize in steeplechase and also road running, the 10k and half marathon. I’ll give my best tomorrow,” Matshaba said.