Uasin Gishu: Athletes Rewarded With New Shoes, KSh 7m In Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run

• Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba joined a host of athletes in Uasin Gishu County for the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run
• The event sought to tap into talents as well as raise awareness on ills like alcoholism and substance abuse
• Winners took home a collective reward of KSh 7 million, while deserving athletes were given new pairs of shoes

Residents of Uasin Gishu County turned up in large numbers to participate and cheer participants in the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run.

It was a remarkable display of athleticism, camaraderie, and community spirit as the young and old stepped out to show their abilities.

Riggy G, Ababu Namwamba, attended

As expected, the turnout was impressive as the county is famous for producing some of Kenya's best talents in athletics.

This was buoyed by the fact that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba attended the event.

Athletes from different parts of the nation converged on the picturesque route, forging connections beyond the finish line.

"The spirited run showcased the prowess of seasoned athletes and served as a fertile ground for discovering emerging talent," read the press statement from the organisers.

More than athletics

According to a post by the DP, it was joyful for him to run shoulder-shoulder with talented children who displayed admirable sportsmanship as they competed for various awards.

He added that the old were also not left behind as they raced to the finish line with determination, affirming that old is gold indeed.

"Apart from tapping talents, it also provided a perfect opportunity to raise awareness on the ills we are fighting: alcoholism and substance abuse," he wrote.

Shoes, KSh 7m award

The event's biggest highlight was the heartwarming gesture of awarding shoes to deserving athletes.

This acknowledged their athletic prowess and addressed a fundamental need, ensuring they could continue pursuing their passion with the necessary equipment.

For the runners who crossed the finish line in the top positions, a cumulative sum of KSh 7 million in prizes lay in wait for them.

The rewards underscored the event's significance and appreciated the dedication of those who pushed their limits during the exhilarating run.

Patron Hon Farouk Kibet expressed gratitude for the event's success, emphasizing the unity it fostered within the community.

Granny completes 500m race

Meanwhile, a 78-year-old granny has become the talk of the town after completing a 500-meter cross-country race.

Her feat has earned her admiration from fellow athletes, a cosy blanket, and the promise of a cow.

"Naskia vizuri kwasabu mungu amenisaidia mimi, kwa maana amesema apana wacha mama amezeeka," (I feel good because God has enabled me to complete the race despite my advanced age) she joyfully declared.

The elderly woman caught the attention of onlookers and participants as she crossed the finish line with a beaming smile.