Berlin show whets Kenya’s super Sunday

ELIUD KIPCHOGE SETS NEW MARATHON WORLD RECORD IN BERLIN

Berlin show whets Kenya’s super Sunday

The fierce battle at the Berlin Marathon this morning sets the adrenaline pulse racing.

Families, coaches and fans of Kenyans competing in Berlin Marathon will be glued to TV sets from 10:15am.

Excitement and expectation among fans is high as two men's favourite stars -- Eliud Kipchoge and Wilson Kipsang -- get down to chase for the world record and battle for pride between two counties where they hail from. Kipchoge comes from Nandi while Kipsang hails from Elgeyo Marakwet.

Nandi County, which prides as the Source of Champions, goes up against Elgeyo Marakwet, the Home of Champions, which has been running the shows as the Mecca of world athletics.

The clash between athletes from the two counties has always seen respective governors join electric crowds in social joints to rally behind “one of their own.”

And it’s no surprise to see Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Stephen Sang (Nandi) in the midst of fans.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has promised to join fans following the action in LED big screens in Eldoret town.

The contest will further narrow down to the rural homes of these athletes.

In Elgeyo Marakwet, Kipsang’s fans in Muskut village in Kerio Valley will step out of church service and rush to catch up with the race. Kipsang lives near Mindililwo AIC Church, Iten, where he is a church elder and always conduct prayers for brethren.

Edna Kiplagat, who lines up in the women’s race and lives just 200 metres from Kipsang’s home, is the first ever women runner to compete in all the six World Marathon Majors series that include World Championships and the Olympic Games. She competes alongside Gladys Cherono, the defending champion, who lives in Iten.

Bank of Africa hosts a viewing session at Keellu Resort, which is owned by Kipsang.  

In Nandi, fans will throng Kimondi and Kapsisiywo shopping centres near Kipchoge’s home. Villagers, some of them Kipchoge’s classmates at the nearby Kaptel High School, will be watching. [Jonathan Komen]