Women 60 years and above compete during the inaugural Athletics Kenya Kesses Community Cross Country 500m race, held at Lelmolok Primary School ground in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County on February 21, 2026. Elizabeth Bett won.
Athletics fans in Kesses on the outskirts of Eldoret City in Uasin Gishu County were treated to a sight to behold on Saturday when runners, some in their 70s, rolled back the years and took part in various races during the inaugural Athletics Kenya Kesses Community Cross Country, held at Lelmolok Primary School grounds.
To engage people from all walks of life in athletics as a way of keeping fit, Athletics Kenya has been organising community races in various regions across the country.
Women 60 years and above compete during the inaugural Athletics Kenya Kesses Community Cross Country 500m race, held at Lelmolok Primary School ground in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County on February 21, 2026. Elizabeth Bett won.
The federation kills two birds with a single stone, as it also attracts and retains young runners to the sport as a way of nurturing talent.
Women 60 years and above compete during the inaugural Athletics Kenya Kesses Community Cross Country 500m race, held at Lelmolok Primary School ground in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County on February 21, 2026. Elizabeth Bett won.
Saturday’s community race held in Kesses targeted children age between five and 15, and gave children who are not able to travel long distances for races a chance to compete.
Last year, such efforts saw Kenya win ‘Kids’ Athletics Day’, an annual celebration of children being active and participating in athletics, which took place on May 7 2025.
A woman 60 years and above, crosses the finish line during the inaugural Athletics Kenya Kesses Community Cross Country 500m race, held at Lelmolok Primary School ground in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County on February 21, 2026.
Kids’ Athletics Day is organised by World Athletics. Last year, Kenya won ‘Kids Relay Challenge’ after contributing almost a quarter of all participants globally.
On Saturday, senior citizens also turned out at Kesses in large numbers to compete, proving that age is just a number.
Women 60 years and above compete during the inaugural Athletics Kenya Kesses Community Cross Country 500m race, held at Lelmolok Primary School ground in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County on February 21, 2026. Elizabeth Bett won.
The women’s category for participants aged between 50 and 60, and men’s category for runners aged above 60 witnessed a close contest.
Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei (right) and Kesses MP Julius Ruto, during the inaugural Athletics Kenya Kesses Community Cross Country 500m race, held at Lelmolok Primary School ground in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County on February 21, 2026.
“By organizing such events, both parents and athletes get inspired to work hand in hand so as to leave a mark in the sport. We wanted to bring athletics competitions closer to the people here today, and later do the same in other areas across the country,” Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei observed.
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