Officials plant trees ahead of today's Eldoret City Marathon

Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu (left), with Eldoret City Marathon Director Moses Tanui (right) and the event Chairman Andrew Chelogoi after planting a tree at Arboretum area to mark World Environment Day in Uasin Gishu County yesterday. 05.06.2021 {Peter Ochieng, Standard}

The Eldoret City marathon taking place in the North Rift’s biggest town was yesterday celebrated by a tree planting exercise in line with its theme; Climate Action.

It was a display of corporate colours as companies sponsoring the race in which The Standard Group is the official media partner, converged at the newly established Eldoret Arboretum to plant trees, just hours to today’s marathon.

Standard Group PLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Orlando Lyomu led at least 30 others sponsors in the tree planting exercise.

Lyomu was flanked by a team of Standard Group staff during the event graced by Greece ambassador to Kenya Vicky Pantazopoulou and Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago.

Ambassador Pantazopoulou said her country donated the sacred Olive tree seedlings for the event.

“The Olive tree which we provided is symbolic for peace and friendship. This will cement the friendship and relationship between our two countries (Kenya and Greece),” the envoy said.

She said her country will continue partnering with the organisers to support the marathon’s Climate Action campaign.

“I wish all the participants well as they compete during the marathon,” Pantazopoulou, who is among the invited guests in today’s race said.

Governor Mandago who is the race patron said the tree planting exercise will remain at the heart of the marathon.

“I thank our sponsors for supporting the marathon in the last three years,” Mandago said.

“We are asking all our fans to watch the marathon live at home.”