World School Cross Country: As always, Kenya leads the way as others follow

Kenya's Peter Lomuryon lead the U15 Boys race at the second edition of the ISF World School Cross Country championship at Ngong Racecourse. May 12, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Once again, Kenya proved its might as a global powerhouse in athletics by sweeping all categories in the 24th edition of the World School Cross Country Championship held in Nairobi at the weekend.

Not only did Kenya win, but its athletes edged out rivals Uganda from the team title in the event held at the Ngong racecourse.

Some of the athletes who dazzled in their categories included Sheila Chepkosgei and Ezron kimurgor (Girls and Boys U-12), Jane Wangari and Peter Lomuryon (Girls and Boys U15) and Diana’s Chepkemoi and Phanuel Kipkosgei (Girls and Boys U-18).

Kenya's Diana Chepkemoi celebrate after winning the U18 Category during the second edition of the ISF World School Cross Country Championship at Ngong Racecourse. May 12, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The winners went home with glittering gold medals after triumphing over their rivals.

Kenya’s medal haul is a clear testament that the future of cross country is bright and well intact.

The fact that the event was given a clean bill of health by the international body; the International School Sports Federation (ISF), is a sign that the country did well in the planing, Organising and execution of the championship.

ISF competition model Catherine Achieng' with U15 athletes during the second edition of the ISF World School Cross Country championship at Ngong Racecourse. May 12, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The event was attended by 460 delegates from 21 nations. While praising the athletes for putting their best foot forward in the races, President William Ruto said; “The participants demonstrated humanity and unity which confirms that the world is becoming a global village, and we all belong to that village.”

“Today, we have given our best as Kenya, and the children have given their best. What we have here today is not just a competition, but a celebration of our diversity, a celebration of our children, a celebration of our talent.”

Apart from the main contest at the Ngong racecourse, there were other parallel seminars and workshops where the delegates and participants were taken through anti-doping lessons and the importance of cultural exchanges.

This was the second time the high profile championships was being held Africa, after the 2000 edition in Marrakech, Morocco.