By Mutwiri Mutuota

Over 3,000 runners, most of them drawn from warring communities, are expected to field in the seventh Tegla Loroupe Peace Race in Kapenguria on Saturday where the monarch of French Principality of Monaco, Prince Albert II, will be the chief guest.

The competition’s programme includes 10km races for elite athletes and warriors and a 2km event for dignitaries and children.

Registration is ongoing for the race organised by former world women’s marathon record holder, Tegla Loroupe that has brought together hostile neighbours from Turkana, Pokot, Marakwet, Sebei and Karamojong (Uganda) in addition to Taposa of South Sudan.

Elsewhere, 29 athletes, among them the 2007 World champion Luke Kibet, have been nominated by Athletics Kenya (AK) to take part in Stanchart Singapore Marathon on December 6.

Champions of city marathons Vincent Krop (Paris), Evans Kipkosgei Ruto (Hannover), David Langat (Dusseldorf) and Stanley Rono (Mumbai) are also on the list.

Joseph Kiptum, Philip Asituni, Geoffrey Terer, Charles Wachira Maina, Duncan Koech, Sammy Tum, Patrick Kimeli, Stanley Salil, Vincent Kipsos, John Kelai, Johnstone Cheruiyot, David Cheruiyot, Leonard Mucheru, Amos Kipruto and Peter Kimeli Chemai complete the men’s invitees.

Quad Cities Marathon champion, Irene Mogaka and Leah Malot (sixth Frankfurt and Berlin) lead the women’s line-up. Hellen Jepkosgei Kimutai, Jaquline Nyetipi, Fridah Lobepa, Mercy Jemutai Tanui and Lillian Chelimo are other female runners.

A release from Riadha House signed by AK secretary general, David Okeyo, said invited runners must confirm participation by Monday with Cleophas Bitok appointed coach for the team. AK treasurer, Joseph Kinyua, will be the federation’s representative at the event.