Africa's most prestigious cross country
Nike Discovery Kenya is far more than a sporting competition: it is an ecosystem of opportunity, a scouting and development platform born in 1991 from the shared vision of Dr. Gabriele Rosa and athlete Moses Tanui.
Designed to discover and nurture long-distance running talent, the programme has transformed the destinies of entire generations of athletes — supporting them throughout their education and sporting careers without ever uprooting them from their homeland, and safeguarding their cultural identity.
The essence of Discovery
The true essence of Discovery Kenya is the dream — the deep desire to run, to grow, to become a champion. Recognised as one of the most prestigious cross country races in the world, the event turns that ambition into reality through a programme of ten competitions structured by age group.
For the youngest runners it is first and foremost a game, yet in that spontaneous sprint a crystal-clear talent often emerges — a natural gift that rarely goes unnoticed. As the categories progress up to the Senior level, the competition becomes a stage for proving that promise: talent meets discipline, and athletes gain a pivotal opportunity to test themselves, sharpen their abilities, and catch the eye of professional athletics.
Over the years, many athletes discovered at the event have gone on to develop their careers under the management of Rosa Associati, becoming leading figures on tracks and roads around the world, setting world records, and lifting Kenyan athletics to the very top of the sport.
Discovery Kenya is more than sport: it is a journey that tangibly changes lives.
The most important athletics scouting and development platform on the African continent.
Open to athletes of every age, from preschool children (4-5 years) all the way to the Senior category.
Uncover talent, support athletes through school and sport, and turn the dream of running into a professional career.
A programme that honours local roots, allowing young athletes to grow within their home country.
The new frontier of talent
In 2023, Rosa Associati joined forces with international champion Jacob Kiplimo to launch Discovery Uganda. Held in Kapchorwa, in the heart of the Sebei region, the event was born with an ambitious mission: to turn untapped potential into a successful career.
Discovery Uganda stands out as a unique competition on the local scene, combining a road race and a trail run within a single landmark event.
The idea grew from a reflection by Jacob Kiplimo, who knows first-hand the difficulties faced by those growing up far from the official circuits: too often, deeply talented young athletes are forced to give up running in their villages for lack of opportunity. Discovery Uganda answers that challenge, becoming a stage where talent can finally be seen and championed.
Since its first edition in 2023, Discovery Uganda has established itself as a landmark event. It is more than just a race — it is a gathering that brings together children, young people, adults and elders alike. A celebration of sport capable of uniting an entire community and laying the foundations for the next generation of world athletics protagonists.
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