Here’s a detailed look at what the winners (and other top finishers) received at Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run  a gold-label race on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour  based on the most recent 2025 edition.

 Prize Money and Payout Structure at Chepsaita 2025

• The overall prize purse for the 2025 edition exceeded KSh 20 million. (The Star)

• In the elite 10 km senior races (men and women):

  • 1st place: KSh 750,000 (Citizen Digital)

  • 2nd place: KSh 500,000 (Citizen Digital)

  • 3rd place: KSh 350,000 (Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.)

• The prizes are not just for the podium: the event rewards the top 30 finishers in all categories. (SportsBeat Kenya)

Besides elite runners, younger athletes and children also received reward money, making the event unusually inclusive. (Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.)

 Youth & Junior / Children’s Category Payouts

According to the 2025 payout breakdown: (Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.)

In addition to the top-3 prizes, all athletes finishing among the top 30 in their category receive some reward. (SportsBeat Kenya)

Moreover the under-20 categories also come with additional incentives: winners in those races are reportedly to be sponsored to attend the upcoming global championships (for example, in Tallahassee, Florida)  offering exposure beyond just prize money. (Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.)

 Example: 2025 Winners & Their Earnings

• In the senior women’s elite 10 km, Dorcus Ndiema won and took home KSh 750,000. (kbc.co.ke)

• In the senior men’s 10 km, Mathew Kipkoech was crowned champion and also got KSh 750,000. (uasingishunews.co.ke)

• For the youth: Under-20 winners (both male and female) got KSh 200,000. (Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.)

Given the prize-down-to-30th-place policy, many more athletes benefit  making Chepsaita more than just a winner-takes-all race. (SportsBeat Kenya)

 Why Chepsaita Is Noteworthy  Not Just the Money

Beyond the money, there are several reasons the Chepsaita Cross Country Run stands out:

• The payout places it among the richest  if not the richest  cross-country races globally. (The Star)

• It isn’t just an elite race: by rewarding top-30 across many categories  including youth and children  it incentivizes participation, supports grassroots athletics, and gives more athletes a chance to earn. (SportsBeat Kenya)

• The event’s broader mission includes educational support: a portion of proceeds fund scholarships and school fees for local children, making the race as much about community upliftment as sport. (The Star)

• For younger athletes, especially under-20 winners, there are additional perks  such as sponsorship to attend international championships  enhancing exposure and career development. (akyouthdevelopment.or.ke)

 Comparison: 2024 vs 2025 Editions

• 2024 edition: Prize pool was more modest.

• Elite winners reportedly received KSh 300,000 for first place, with second and third at 250,000 and 150,000, respectively.

• The total prize purse was around KSh 6 million. (Breaking Kenyan News)

• By 2025: Organisers boosted payouts significantly  up to KSh 750,000 for elite winners  more than doubling the top prize, while expanding the payout structure to many more finishers. (uasingishunews.co.ke)

This rapid scaling shows how much organisers want to raise the profile and attractiveness of the Chepsaita event both for elite runners and up-and-coming talents.