Collins Kipngetich and Mercy Jeruto underlined Athletics Kenya’s commitment to talent identification and nurturing after impressive victories at the Terik Cross Country Run held on Sunday, December 28, at Kapkures Primary School in Nandi County.
What began as a fun-filled athletics day culminated in a vibrant Kids’ Cross Country event, featuring junior races alongside masters’ categories, as thousands of young athletes, boys and girls took to the course to showcase their talents at an early age.
Kapkures came alive early Sunday morning as over 2,000 children, accompanied by parents, teachers, coaches, siblings and guardians, thronged the venue, creating a buzzing athletics atmosphere.
Organised in collaboration with Inua Life Foundation, the young runners braved the chilly morning conditions, demonstrating resilience and passion for the sport.
The foundation CEO Amos Maiyo said that wherever there is smoke, there is fire and a journey of a thousand miles starts with a step.
“At kapkures a journey from the village to world has began. This is a brain child of Inua Life Foundation to bring hope to the community of Terik despite being a minority, we have something we can show the world through sporting activity, feeding program of school going children, preservation of culture and environmental through tree planting of indigenous tree at the reperian land to conserve water. Advocating for best health practice through early screening of non communicable diseases and championing of healthy diet,” said Maiyo.
Jeruto, a Form Two student at Maraba Secondary School in Nandi County, claimed victory in the 4km girls’ race, the longest girls’ event of the day. She clocked 15:26.4 to edge out Sharon Chepchirchir (15:47.4) and Noela Jemutai (15:50.10).
“It was a good plan for me to create room and control the race after my intense training,” said Jeruto after the win.
Young athletes from across the country competed not only for titles but also for a sense of belonging and joy, highlighting the impact of Athletics Kenya’s Kids’ Athletics programme aimed at developing future champions.
The competition featured races across multiple age categories, including 5–7 years (500m), 8–10 years (1km), 11–13 years (2km), 14–16 years (4km for girls and 6km for boys), as well as masters events for athletes aged 50–59 and 60 years and above.
In the boys’ 14–16 years 6km race, Kipngetich emerged victorious after clocking 22:38.0, finishing ahead of Kelvin Kimutai (22:48.1) and Dennis Kipsang (23:40.5).
Beyond competition, the event served as a platform to keep young people engaged in sports ahead of school reopening next month. Through the integration of sport and education, the programme emphasized physical, social, cognitive and emotional wellbeing.
The Kids’ Athletics initiative proved to be more than just a sporting event, adopting a holistic approach that nurtures social, emotional and mental development while promoting overall wellbeing among participants.
Stakeholders praised the high level of engagement, underscoring the importance of structured grassroots programmes in sustaining Kenya’s athletics dominance.
At the end of the event, prizes, including duvets, books, pens and pencils were awarded to participants, bringing smiles and positive experiences to the children as they prepare to return to school.
The event marked the first-ever athletics competition hosted in the area, revealing raw and untapped talent and inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams in athletics.
With Kenya planning to send a strong contingent to the 2026 World Under-20 Championships in Oregon, USA, and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, such grassroots events provide equal opportunities for young runners to rise to the global stage.
Selected Results
6km Boys (14–16 years)
- Collins Kipngetich – 22:38.0
- Kelvin Kimutai – 22:48.1
- Dennis Kipsang – 23:40.5
4km Girls (14–16 years)
- Mercy Jeruto – 15:26.4
- Sharon Chepchirchir – 15:47.4
- Noela Jemutai – 15:50.10
1km Men (50–59 years)
- Philemon Rotich
- Ezekiel Kimutai Ruto
- Barnaba Kipwambok
1km Women (50–59 years)
- Hellen Jepkorir
- Naum Jeron
- Elizabeth Tarus
1km Women (60 years and above)
- Esther Songonyi
- Lilian Jepkemboi
- Everly Jebet
1km Boys (8–10 years)
- Raymond Kipsang – 4:01.3
- Ignatius Juniro – 4:02.3
- Allan Rutto – 4:13.7
1km Girls (8–10 years)
- Brenda Jepchirchir – 3:23.1
- Martha Jerugo – 3:24.7
- Abigail Jeruto – 3:36.9
500m Boys (5–7 years)
- Vincent Kimutai
- Newton Kipchumba
- Vincent Kirwa
500m Girls (5–7 years)
- Jepkoech Aldenkye
- Faith Jerobon
- Abigail Jepkoech
2km Girls (11–13 years)
- Sheila Jeptum
- Sharon Jerop
- Faith Jepkirui