The Great Chepsaita Cross Country has played a pivotal role in attracting many junior athletes to join the Chepkemel Athletics Kenya junior camp.
As much as Chepkemel camp was first to be installed in the area, the introduction of Chepsaita Cross country has changed the atmosphere, attracting many athletes to join.
The camp has produced some of the top juniors led by the captain Mercy Cheruto, Judy Chepkeoch, Joyline Chepkemoi among others who are part of the national trials for the world under 20 athletics championships that were held in Lima, Peru.
Cheruto said that training at the facility is a God-send, meeting top coached that helps that to improve on their performance at various events.
“As an athlete, I have really gained a lot. Because I compete in the 3,000m, I know I will do well especially that we have the Africa Under 20/18 championships,” said Cheruto.
The camp conrdinator Stephen Kimaiyo said that the camp is the most unique in the country due to its high altitude location.
“Apart from the high altitude, we managed to host Chepsaita cross country and the people around have the opportunity to train well. Most of juniors are attracted to this event because of the Chepsaita name. We have the pressure for people to join the camp and we have 50 athletes with 38 girls and 12 boys. Every child wants to join this camp because it is associated with winning,” said Kimaiyo.
He added that the area is the best for training because of the weather.
“Initially athletes used to train in Iten but after the discovery, this has become the norm to train. We have many girls who are performing very well. Many girls want to run and are motivated very well. That is why we have a big flow of girls,” he said.
The Under 20 head coach Robert Ngisirei was full of praise for the Chepsaita Cross country that has made it possible to attract many athletes.
“Chepsaita has helped many athletes join this camp and they have represented the country up to the international level. Chepkeoch, Chepkemoi among others were part of the national trials for the under 20 team in Lima. We have 54 camps in the whole country. The athletes are trying their best to earn a slot into the Africa under 20 and under 18 in Africa. It is also the best preparations for the transition to the senior level,” he said.