AK clears Kibii for Frankfurt International Marathon

Marathon
Barnabas Kibii who won the Tea International Marathon in Kericho receives his cheque Sh1.5 million in a competition that was meant to promote tea consumption besides creating awareness on the various benefits of the product two weeks ago, he run in a record time of 2:17.42, beating 247 runners .

Kericho Tea International Marathon winner Barnabas Kibii (pictured) will take part in next month’s Frankfurt International Marathon in Germany after Athletics Kenya agreed to clear him for the race.

Kibii’s participation in Frankfurt Marathon was in doubt after Athletics Kenya (AK) failed to recognise his German manager Unrikt Gimmtrberg since he was not registered with the federation.

However, this may not be the case now after AK Vice President David Okeyo asked Kibii to furnish them with race papers signed by Frankfurt Marathon Race Director for processing and issuance of a licence.

Okeyo told FeverPitch: “As a federation, our mandate is to give all local athletes a conducive working environment by first protecting them from rogue agents and then making sure they are not exploited by the same foreign agents during their international exploits.” 

This comes after the federation dismissed Gimmtrberg as an agent since he is not registered with the federation, thereby making him ineligible to manage any runner in the country.

Kibii won the Tea International Marathon in Kericho two weeks ago in a record time of 2:17.42, beating 247 runners to pocket Sh1.5 million in a competition that was meant to promote tea consumption besides creating awareness on the various benefits of the product.

Georgina Rono won the women’s 42km in 2:35.35 also to take home Sh1.5 million during one of the best organised races in Kericho according to one of the organisers Thomas Mbewa.

The same sentiments were shared by nominated Senator Joy Gwendo who was also present during the event.

“Our objective was to promote the young talented runners from Kericho and beyond to ensure they become world champions,” said Mbewa.

Yesterday, Kibii who trains in Kaptagat said he had stepped up his training schedule ahead of Frankfurt Marathon.

“Sky is the limit for me despite the problems I’m going through at the moment,” Kibii told FeverPitch.