Kelvin Kariankei, Joan Chepkurui win Chepsaita Cross Country U20 Races, Secure Florida Trip

By Naomi Cheruiyot

The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Championships once again proved to be a breeding ground for emerging talent, as over 8,500 athletes battled for top honours in one of Kenya’s most competitive grassroots athletics events.

In the Women’s Under-20 6km, Joan Chepkurui from Kuresoi, Nakuru County, claimed victory after a spirited performance that showcased her growing potential. Chepkurui said the win was a result of rigorous preparation.

“The race was tough, so I practised hard, knowing how challenging it would be, especially with so many registered athletes,” she said.

Joan Chepkurui wins the U20 6km race at Chepsaita Cross Country. Photo: AK.

Chepkurui’s win adds to her rising profile as she continues to establish herself among the country’s most promising young runners.

The category also saw a strong performance from Mercy Kirwa, who finished second. Kirwa, competing in Chepsaita for the first time, said she was pleased with her improvement after placing fourth in Kapsokwony earlier.

“The race was great but a bit windy, though the course was favourable. I worked on my speed work, and I’m happy the effort paid off. I’m now shifting focus to the track— the 1500m and 5000m—, and I hope to have a great year,” she said.

Who won the Chepsaita Cross Country U20 race?

In the Men’s Under-20 8km, Kelvin Kariankei delivered a commanding performance to secure first place. Kariankei, a Form Four student at Chepsaita Secondary School, said the challenging course helped him measure his fitness after narrowly missing the podium at the National Cross Country Championships.

“The race was great but very tough. This course helped me gauge my form. I’m glad to have redeemed myself after missing the podium nationally. My coaches and team help me balance training and school,” he said.

Kelvin Kariankei wins the U20 men’s race at Chepsaita Cross Country on December 6, 2025. Photo: AK.

Kariankei, who trains in Iten and Chepsaita, also expressed excitement after the event patron promised to sponsor flights for the top two athletes to the World Cross Country Championships in Florida.

“I feel very happy because of the promise to give the top two a flight to Florida,” he added.

Finishing second in the men’s category was Emmanuel Kipchirchir, who put up a strong fight after weeks of focused preparation.

“The race was good, and the course was great. I had prepared well and knew what to expect. After finishing fourth at the National Cross Country Championships, I trained hard to make an impact here,” Kipchirchir said.

Winners of the races win KSh 200,000 in both races, with the second and third-placed athletes walking away with Ksh 150,000 and Ksh 100,000. The top two athletes will also be sponsored to Florida to be part of the Kenyan team that will participate in the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida.

The top 30 athletes in the two races will also get cash prizes.