Chepsaita Run: How Faruk Kibet is Turning a Village Race into a Global Dream
By Gladys Yator | Kass Digital September 11, 2025
In the quiet hills of Chepsaita, Turbo Constituency, what began as a simple community cross country run is quickly transforming into a symbol of hope and opportunity, thanks to the vision and commitment of its Patron, Mr. Faruk Kibet.
Faruk, known nationally as the long-serving personal assistant to President William Ruto, has for years stood at the intersection of politics and grassroots development. But it is his role in sports, and particularly the Chepsaita Cross Country Run, that is now making waves far beyond the village.
Speaking on Kass FM’s vibrant morning show Kass Lee Nee Emet, Faruk issued a passionate call for Kenya to reimagine how it nurtures young talent. “We must give priority to sports talent identification and development,” he urged, emphasizing that the Ministry of Education, county governments, and political leaders all have a responsibility to create real opportunities for the next generation of champions.
He painted a sobering picture of young athletes in rural villages, many training barefoot or improvising with limited facilities. To bridge this gap, Faruk revealed plans to collaborate with Rivatex in Eldoret to design affordable tracksuits and sports gear for local athletes. The idea goes further, using athletes themselves as brand ambassadors, carrying Kenyan products proudly to the world.
And he is putting his money where his mouth is. Faruk pledged to sponsor full air tickets and hotel accommodation for the best male and female winners of this year’s Chepsaita Run, giving them a rare chance to attend international sporting events. “Exposure is everything,” he said. “When our young runners see the world stage, they will know their dreams are valid.”
But the story of Chepsaita Run is not just about athletics. In just three years, the event has triggered a wave of transformation across the village and beyond. New roads now wind through once-forgotten paths. Classrooms and toilets in local schools have been upgraded. Churches across denominations have received much-needed facelifts. And small businesses, from shops to eateries, are thriving on the energy and visitors the event attracts.
The race has also brought health and agriculture into focus. Through medical camps and free check-ups held during the run, villagers are accessing services that were once out of reach. Meanwhile, farmers now benefit from nearby centers supplying fertilizer and seeds, reducing the long treks they once endured.
Yet Faruk insists the journey is only beginning. He is now challenging leaders to accelerate rural electrification, while urging residents to take ownership by wiring their homes. “Development is a shared responsibility,” he reminded.
From its modest roots, the Chepsaita Run has already crossed borders, pulling in athletes from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, the United States, and beyond. For Faruk Kibet, the dream is bigger than medals or headlines. It is about reshaping a community’s destiny through the power of sport.
As he puts it, “When a child in Chepsaita laces up for a morning run, they should know the world is within their reach.” The next Chepsaita cross country run is scheduled for December 6, 2025.
