Eldoret City Marathon: Leaders root for more sports support

Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu addresses athletic fans during Eldoret City Marathon race held in the town yesterday. 06.6. 2020 {Peter Ochieng, Standard}

Various leaders from the North Rift Region, as well as sponsors of the Eldoret City Marathon, have applauded the just completed 3rd edition of the Marathon.

Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu expressed the company's commitment as the Marathon’s media sponsor, stating that the group would continue supporting the marathon even in the future.

“We are glad that our platform KTN News was able to provide live coverage of the Marathon from the beginning to the end so that the people at home can connect with the Marathon at this time of the pandemic,” said Lyomu.

The Ministry of Health's protocols would not allow large crowds to attend the Marathon as it was in the earlier years due to COVID-19.

Moses Tanui, the Marathon's Director, said that for the first time, the marathon was electronically timed for purposes of getting official timing and results with the help of one of the sponsors.

Eldoret City Marathon Director Moses Tanui (left) after receiving a cheque of Sh 500,000 from Isaac Chumba,manager at Resolution Insurance Eldoret yesterday.04.06.2021 {Peter Ochieng, Standad}

Renowned athlete Kipchoge Keino said that the Marathon is a good platform that has helped in tapping talent while helping athletes jump-start their careers and others to advance in their careers.

“We have the best climate for training, and we should foster unity through such initiatives where various counties come together for a common cause,” said Keino.

World Marathon Record holder Eliud Kipchoge encouraged the public to grow more trees to ensure the attainment of the 10 percent forest cover in the country and provide a conducive environment for the athletes who train in various North rift counties.

“I want to urge Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago to adopt the Kapseret Forest and ensure that various trees are planted in the spirit of achieving climate action for positive change,” Kipchoge said.

He added, “Everyone has a duty to ensure conservation of the environment and more so through planting of the trees. The world is beautiful, but the beauty can be advanced by planting more trees, even on our birthdays, anniversaries and during other occasions.”

Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago crossing the finish line during 3rd Edition Eldoret City Marathon 5km corporate category in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday 6 June 2021. [Christopher Kipsang,Standard]

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, who the Marathon main sponsor, advised the athletes to invest their earnings well to secure their future.

“Invest so that as you age, you do not have to languish in poverty. Invest wisely for your own future and take the examples of Kipchoge Keino and Dr Eliud Kipchoge,” said Mandago.

He said that he would roll out a program to ensure ten percent forest cover in the county.

“As Kipchoge said, we will adopt Kapseret forest and partner with various organizations to ensure the conservation of the environment and wetlands for our own benefit. This will as well boost tourism in the county,” added the governor.

Greece ambassador to Kenya Vicky Pandazopoulou advised the leaders to cooperate in the advancing of the Marathon to recognition in the international levels, stating the readiness of her country to engage in the marathon with the county in the future.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos reiterated the importance of trees in replenishing oxygen in the environment.

Bronze medalist Jackline Chelal awarded by Elgeyo Marakwet governor Alex Tolgos during the 3rd Edition ,Eldoret City Marathon in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday 6 June 2021. [Christopher Kipsang,Standard]

“During this pandemic that prevented last year's scheduled marathon, we have learned the importance of oxygen, and there is no better way to ensure clean air other than planting trees,” said Tolgos.