Environment: Kipchoge launches sub-two minutes tree planting challenge

Environment and Forestry PS Chris Kiptoo (left) and World Marathon Champion Eliud Kipchoge (in Tshirt) participate in tree planting challenge at Kaptagat forest Elgeyo Marakwet County yesterday. 22.08.2020. PHOTOS BY PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD

World record holder Eliud Kipchoge yesterday launched a tree planting challenge, just 43 days to his epic clash with Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele in London.

Yesterday, a day after the London marathon organisers confirmed his participation, Kipchoge took part in a sub-two minutes tree planting challenge near his Global Sports Communication training camp in Kaptagat.

He adopted 50.8 hectares of the Kaptagat forest in June, and in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kipchoge began the tree planting drive, which he says, will make Kaptagat a better training base.

The world marathon champion competed with five others including Environment Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo in the planting challenge.

“I want to leave Kaptagat a greater place,” Kipchoge said.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Tourism named Kipchoge as a Maasai Mara brand ambassador to help boost the tourism sector.

Kipchoge and PS Kiptoo planted 14 seedlings each, while Elgeyo Marakwet County executive in charge of environment Abraham Barsosio and professional rider Rashid Kipkosgei planted 17 seedlings each.

Kipchoge said he aims to enter Kenya into the Guinness Book of world records by making the exercise of planting trees a competition.

“Kenyans are not limited. I am happy that my 1:59 challenge (INEOS 1:59 Challenge 2019) has inspired the (environment) ministry. We can celebrate for being in the Guinness Book of World records by being the country which has planted the largest number of trees,” he said.