ADAK holds Anti-Doping outreach program at Eldoret City Marathon

Eldoret City Marathon 42km champion Victor Kipchirchir crossing the finish line after 2:08:56 in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday, June 6, 2021. [Christopher Kipsang,Standard]

Mercy Kipchumba and Victor Kipchirchir are the winners of the third edition of the Eldoret City Marathon held Sunday in Uasin Gishu County.

Victor Kipchirchir, who boasts a personal best of 2:07.38 set at the 2016 Valencia Marathon, held on with the leading pack in the excitingly punishing Eldoret course – a route marked with at least 60 turns.

The race was initially scheduled for April 11 but was postponed after sporting events were suspended in the bid to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

In the women’s category, Mercy Kipchumba edged clear in a last-minute sprint to win over Judy Korir who finished second with Janet Chelal finishing third.

Eldoret City Marathon 42km women champion Mercy Kipchumba crossing the finish line after 2:28:10 in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday, June 6, 2021. [Christopher Kipsang,Standard]

Kipchirchir and Kipchumba shattered the course records set by Mathew Kisorio and Valary Aiyabei last year.

The third edition of Eldoret City Marathon was not like any other. Upstarts upset the rule book and ran away with Sh3.5 million top prize –the highest payout for a marathon race in Africa.
Outreach programs and sensitisation campaigns were also organised for athletes and other key stakeholders during the third edition of the Eldoret City marathon.

ADAK Anti-Doping Educator Mr. Rooney Sumba takes young athletes through the Anti-Doping Values Based Education (VBE) during the third edition of the Eldoret City Marathon in Uasin-Gishu County. VBE is aimed at promoting and inculcating ‘Spirit of Sport’ values among the young and upcoming athletes of ages below 16 years. [Courtesy]

During the anti-doping education outreach program, ADAK Senior Education Officer Mr. Kennedy Mwai demonstrated the sample collection process to participants and how it was critical in the war against doping.

ADAK Senior Education Officer Mr. Kennedy Mwai. [Courtesy]

Among the topics covered in the course are Sports Nutrition and Anti-Doping Rule Violations.

Participants in the third Edition of the Eldoret City Marathon 2021 pose for a photo after taking part in the anti-doping outreach program organised by the Education and Research team at the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya. [Courtesy]