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Kenya set to host ISF World Cross Country Championship

State Department for Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang, Athletics Kenya Youth Development Chairman Barnabas Korir and others during the official unveiling of the event at Ngong Racecourse © Courtesy

By Rama Mohammed | 16 Mar 2024

500 athletes from 20 nations have already registered for the event scheduled for May 10th to May 14th

Kenya is poised to make sporting history as it prepares to host the International School Sport Federation (ISF) World Cross Country Championship that has so far attracted a remarkable 500 athletes from 20 nations.

Scheduled for May 10th to May 14th, the event promises spirited competition among young talents across various age categories. With races ranging from 1.2km to 5.5km, both boys and girls will be eager to leave a mark and kickstart their athletic careers.

The decision to entrust Kenya with hosting duties was made official in November 2023 through a memorandum of understanding signed between Kenya and the ISF. State Department for Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang expressed Kenya's preparedness and gratitude for being chosen as the host nation.

"Once again, I applaud ISF for nominating Kenya to host the 2024 World Schools Cross Country Championship," Dr. Kipsang remarked during the event's unveiling at Nairobi's Ngong Race Course,

"The launch of the event affirms further Kenya’s commitment to organize and ensure the success of the event. We feel privileged for this opportunity to be the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to host ISF World Cross Country Championship for Schools." He added.

Dr. Kipsang emphasized the significance of the championship in nurturing young talent and fostering international camaraderie.

"This is expected to spark interest and motivate athletes and learners generally in our schools to develop and exploit their sporting talent," he added.

ISF Delegate Joseph Olabisi echoed Dr. Kipsang's sentiments, commending Kenya's readiness to host the event.

"We have gone around and inspected every aspect of preparations, and I can confidently say that Kenya is ready to host this event," Olabisi affirmed.