NGELEL TARIT KIDS CROSS COUNTRY – TODAY’S WORLD GREATS NURTURING TOMORROW’S CHAMPS

By JOSPHAT KEBUT

 

In a rare and powerful convergence of legacy and promise, Kipsinende Primary School in Kipkorkot, Uasin Gishu County, came alive as today’s athletics icons stepped forward to inspire tomorrow’s champions.

 

The school ground was transformed into a theatre of hope, determination and raw talent during the 6th edition of the Ngelel Tarit Kids and Elderly Cross Country, held on 12th December 2025.

 

Thousands of children of different ages thronged the venue, some running barefoot, others in worn-out trainers but all united by a shared dream to run, to compete, and to be seen.

 

Organised by renowned Athletics Kenya coach and race director Richard Metto, the annual event has steadily grown into a key grassroots platform for nurturing talent, reinforcing Kenya’s enduring reputation as a global athletics powerhouse.

 

 

As expected, the young runners displayed a nostalgic yet reassuring expression of natural talent in a  country with a coveted racing heritage which remains firmly intact. The Kids and Elderly Cross Country reflected discipline, resilience and an unmistakable hunger for excellence.

 

The occasion was elevated by the presence of World and Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon, the Race Ambassador, and Ugandan 800m World Champion and record holder Halima Nakaayi.

 

Seated trackside, the two global stars followed the children’s races keenly, frequently rising to their feet to applaud, wave, and offer standing ovations.

 

Their gestures ignited joy and motivation among the young athletes, many of whom openly expressed a desire to follow in their footsteps.

 

“We need to put more energy into growing these kids. They are the world champions of tomorrow,” said Kipyegon.

 

“We will not be here forever. One day we will retire and pass on the baton. If these kids are not there, then who will continue this spirit of athletics?”

 

 

 

Kipyegon shared reflections from her own journey, recalling how she once ran barefoot, an admission that drew smiles and admiration from the children gathered around her.

 

“I want them to know that if I made it, then they can too. When I see these kids running barefoot, it reminds me where I come from. Today, we are here to help them realise that it is possible,” she added.

 

“I am proud to be the ambassador of the Ngelel–Tarit Kids Cross Country. I want to thank Coach Metto for what he has done today, and I urge other coaches to follow his example for the sake of our children,” Faith said with a smile.

 

Uganda’s middle-distance star Halimah Nakaayi said she attended the event to inspire the next generation of runners and to remind young athletes that their dreams are valid, no matter where they come from.

 

 

The 2019 800m World Champion Nakaayi, beamed with joy as she watched the children compete.

 

“This takes me back to where my journey began,” she said. “Many years ago in Uganda, I started just like these kids. In fact, they have it a little better—they’re running on a well-organized track and in a great environment.”

 

She noted that East Africa has long dominated distance running and continues to produce champions who serve as living proof that success is possible.

 

“East Africa has truly dominated these races. We have produced champions, and today we are here to tell the young ones that they too can make it. This is about inspiring the next generation. Faith and I once dreamed of this,” she said.

 

 

 

Speaking about her training partner and close friend Faith Kipyegon, Nakaayi showered her with praise, describing her as a constant source of motivation.

 

“She is an incredible and inspirational woman — an Olympic and world champion. We train together under the same coach and in the same camp. She has achieved what I still aspire to achieve. I am a world champion but not yet an Olympic champion, and training alongside her pushes me every day,” Nakaayi said.

 

The 1500m sensation also challenged coaches and the wider athletics fraternity to embrace and support grassroots competitions, saying such races are vital in nurturing future stars.

 

“We are brands in our own right, and we are here to mentor the champions of tomorrow,” Faith said. “Parents, I humbly ask that we draw closer to our children, help them recognise their talents, and support them in making the most of their gifts.”

 

Patron and Race Director Richard Metto was left almost speechless by the overwhelming turnout of children, saying the numbers gave him confidence that the race will continue to unite the community for the sake of the kids and their future.

 

Beyond the modest rewards on offer, Metto noted that the real victory lies in giving young athletes hope, direction, and a platform to dream.

 

“The presence of Race Ambassador  Faith Kipyegon  and Halimah Nakaayi from Uganda at the Ngelel–Tarit Kids and Elderly Cross Country was a clear statement of their commitment to light the path for the next generation”.

 

 

Mark Chirchir, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) chair, said this year’s race had grown significantly compared to last year. He thanked Athletics Kenya, Race Director Metto, Ambassador Faith Kipyegon, and the local community for their support. Chirchir noted that the Ngelel–Tarit Kids Athletics Race has given children hope by showing them that even world beaters like Faith Kipyegon started from humble beginnings, opening doors to a brighter future for the young athletes.

 

Ten-year-old Joyce Jelagat from Turesia, a pupil at Chepketeret Primary School, could not hide her joy during the interview, proudly saying that her role model is Faith Kipyegon.

 

Janet Kiptoo from Kombatich in Keiyo South, who had accompanied children to the race, decided to compete in the over-55 category and finished second.

 

She described it as a dream come true to finally meet the world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon. “I always see her on TV, but today I came close to her, shook her hand, and she even rewarded me for finishing second,” she said.

 

 

Fifty-eight-year-old Leonida Opiyo from Migori, who lives and trains in Iten, said the race was both exciting and a blessing. She successfully defended her title and wished she could turn back the clock to her twenties.

 

“I started running in 2010 and I’ve never looked back. I run to encourage my grandchildren and all other kids so they don’t lose hope. If I can run at my age, mimi Kogo, si unaona mimi ni Kogo why not them?” she said.

 

She also appealed to Athletics Kenya to organise races exclusively for the elderly.

 

Veteran athlete Francis Kemei praised the event, calling it a rare opportunity for older athletes to compete.

 

“My Christmas has come early. I’ve been rewarded with flour, a blanket, and a solar lamp. These races make us feel young even as we inspire the younger generation. Even at my age, I can still break records in my category,” he said, urging for more such events.

 

 

NG’ELEL–TARIT KIDS & ELDERLY CROSS COUNTRY – 6TH EDITION

Results | 12th December 2025

500m Girls (5–8 years)

1. Valary Jemutai

2. Riela Ali Mansoor

3. Esther Jeptum

500m Boys (5–8 years)

1. Ismael Kipkogei

2. Fabian Kiplimo

3. Anthony Kipchumba

1km Girls (9–12 years)

1. Joy Jelagat

2. Tracy Jepkemoi

3. Lorian Jepngetich

 

1km Boys (9–12 years)

1. Noah Kibet

2. Abel Kipngetich

3. Mahashon Kibet

 

4km Women (13–15 years)

1. Alphin Nekesa

2. Ruth Chemei

3. Cynthia Kimutai

 

 

6km Men (13–15 years)

1. Brian Kosgei

2. Bernard Kimutai

3. Elias Kiprotich

 

1km Women (40–50 years)

1.Nahum Chebor (43)

2. Anne Jebiwot Kemboi (48)

3. Helen Matoyei (49)

 

1km Men (45–55 years)

1. David Samoei (54)

2. Daniel Tanui (44)

3. Ezekiel Rutto (51)

1km Men (56 years & above)

1. Kiptala Chesiala (57)

2. Jackson Lelei (63)

3. James Ndauwn Mibei (63)

4. Francis Kemei (69)