IAAF to construct landmark Heritage Plaque in Iten town

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos. [PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD]

International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) will put up a landmark Heritage Plaque in Iten town, which is famed as the Home of Champions or the Mecca of world athletics.

At least 5,000 train daily in high altitude town of Iten (2400m). Athletes training in Iten has dotted the world athletic charts for long, putting up a strong athletic empire.

They have been so keen and enthusiastic to shatter every record in sight and this made the world wonder what makes the town an ideal training site.

Iten and Ethiopia’s Bekoji town, the Town of Runners, were among 11 towns and cities across the world that were honoured by IAAF for their great contribution in historical development of athletics.

The announcement was made by IAAF President Sebastian Coe. “The eleven recipients we honor tonight have each made an enormous impact in the historical development of the sport of athletics in their countries and beyond,” Coe said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos said it was great honour to Kenya and Africa.