2025 NGELEL TARIT KIDS CROSS COUNTRY PREPARATIONS ON TOP GEAR
BY JOSPHAT KEBUT
The annual Ngelel-Tarit Kids Cross Country, an event dedicated to discovering and nurturing young athletic talent while at the same time encouraging active lifestyles during the long December school holidays in Kenya will take place on Friday, 12 December 2025 at Kipsinende Primary School in Kipkorgot, just outside Eldoret City.
Now in its sixth year, the race has grown steadily, fuelled by the unwavering passion and commitment of its Patron, Coach Richard Metto who views the race as where tomorrow’s stars take their very first steps.
“This event is like a kindergarten for athletics. It’s where the future begins,” Metto says with a warm smile in an exclusive interview with Kass Media.
He firmly believes that when children are introduced to running at an early age, their natural gifts emerge long before the wider world takes notice.
This year, children as young as five will take part, competing in well-defined age-group categories that range from 200M to 6KM.
Kids’ Race Categories
- 200m – Boys and girls aged 5–8 years
- 1km – Boys and girls aged 9–12 years
- 2km – Boys and girls aged 13–15 years
- 4km – Girls aged 16–19 years
- 6km – Boys aged 16–19 years
Elderly Race Categories
To promote inclusivity and community participation, older runners also have a chance to compete:
- 1km – Women aged 40–50 years
- 1km – Men aged 45–55 years
- 500m – Women aged 51 years and above
- 500m – Men aged 56 years and above
Coach Metto is a man with a mission which is a long term one,
“My mission is to groom these young talents and prepare them for the bigger stages ahead.”
The event also enjoys the support of its proud Ambassador, Dr. Faith Kipyegon, a world record holder whose presence inspires every young runner on the field and lights up the day for every child on the start line.
While the focus remains squarely on the kids, Metto has also created categories for the elderly allowing them to relish the occasion and serve as role models for the next generation.
The Patron says that registration opens on Friday morning with senior citizens participating required to bring their national IDs, while children will need birth certificates.
With preparations running smoothly, Coach Metto continues to invite sponsors and supporters to get involved.
“We warmly welcome sponsors to join us on this journey of raising tomorrow’s champions,” he says.
Last year, the race drew over 1,200 participants, ranging from enthusiastic young runners to elderly competitors, highlighting its inclusivity and community spirit.
