Seasoned and upcoming athletes from Kericho County have intensified preparations for the fifth edition of the Betika Cross Country race scheduled for October 10, 2026, at the Kericho Teachers Training College.
The competition, sponsored by Betika Betting Company, will feature the 10-kilometre senior men and women races, a mixed relay and a master’s event.
Speaking to KNA during a training session at the Kericho Teachers Training College grounds, Athletics Kenya (AK) Kericho County First Vice Chairman Gabriel Kiptanui said athletes had demonstrated commitment to their training programmes and recorded personal-best times in various local competitions held this year.
Kiptanui, who also doubles as an athletics coach, said the runners had maintained consistency in their training, while improved performances in local and international competitions had boosted their confidence ahead of the October 10 event.
“I am optimistic that Kericho-based seasoned and budding athletes will post impressive performances during this competition in their respective disciplines. Some of them have competed in both local and international events, giving them the experience and exposure needed to excel in the Betika Cross Country race,” said Kiptanui.
He added that more than 20 Kericho-based athletes were expected to participate in the competition.
Kiptanui, who trains more than 20 athletes, has built a stable that includes several accomplished international runners, among them 2015 steeplechase world champion Sheila Chelangat, 2023 and 2024 World Cross Country mixed relay champions Miriam Cherop and Daniel Munguti, 2013 World U18 1500m champion Robert Biwott and two-time Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet.
Budding athlete Ezra Kipkirui Yagan, 27, who participated in the Belgut Marathon on August 23, said he was ready to compete in the 2026 Betika Cross Country race.
Yagan told KNA that he would compete in the 10km men’s race, which he hopes will provide a useful test of his current form as he works towards competing in international races in the future.
“I participated in the Belgut Road Race, where I finished 27th out of 138 runners in the 10km men’s race, recording a personal best of 00:29:15. I believe the performance has given me confidence that I can perform well in the Betika Cross Country race, which I will also use to assess my form as I work towards competing in international races,” said Yagan.
Meanwhile, budding athlete Mercy Chebet Byegon said her recent performance at the Scholarbook race at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru had motivated her to intensify training ahead of the Betika competition.
Chebet participated in the 5000m race on September 18 and finished third in a personal-best time of 17:04. She missed the qualifying mark for a United States scholarship programme by three seconds.
“I have taken part in several local races with the aim of advancing my athletics career and securing an athletic scholarship in the US. I recently competed in the 5000m Scholarbook race at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, where I finished third with a personal best time of 17:04, missing the qualifying mark by just three seconds,” said Chebet.
“However, I have not lost hope, and I believe God will help me improve my performance in the upcoming Betika race.”
The fifth edition of the Betika Cross Country race is expected to attract men and women aged 18 years and above from Kericho, Nakuru, Baringo, Kapsabet, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kisii and Bomet counties.
The athletes will use the event to hone their running skills, showcase their talent and compete for top honours in the highly anticipated competition.
Betika is a Kenyan sports betting company with operations in nine African countries and headquarters in Nairobi.
by Sarah Njagi
