Kamworor and Jepkosgei named Iten marathon ambassadors

Iten marathon race ambassador Joyciline Jepkosgei (left) and Geoffrey Kamworor's wife Joy Kamworor. [Christopher Kipsang]

Former London Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei and three-time World cross country champion Geoffrey Kamworor were yesterday unveiled as Iten International Marathon ambassadors.

The duo were unveiled in a ceremony in Iten, six days to the Sunday marathon.

Marathoners will run across two sub-counties in a high altitude course that will start in Chororget in Keiyo South and finish at Iten town, one of the world's well-regarded training bases. Kamworor, who was represented by his wife Joy Kamworor, had on Saturday booked a ticket to the 2023 World cross country championships set for February 18 in Australia.

Jepkosgei and Kamworor have won the New York marathon, with the former winning in 2019 and the latter clinching the title in 2017 and 2019.

"Iten Marathon is a great race. Upcoming athletes who are yet to compete in a global race will get an opportunity to take part in a marathon that will shape their career and open doors for bigger races," Jepkosgei said during the unveiling.

She encouraged budding marathoners to take part in competitive Kenyan races such as the Iten International marathon, saying elite athletes launched their careers through local races.

"I wish all athletes preparing to take part in the marathon all the best. I urge them to turn out in large numbers and win the prize money," Jepkosgei said.

Speaking on behalf of her husband, Geoffrey, Joy said the athlete (Kamworor) was still held up in Nairobi.

She said Kamworor wanted athletes taking part in the marathon to run clean.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich said there has been no signature race for Iten despite the small town hosting hundreds of athletes who have cruised to victories in several races across the globe.

Rotich, whose county is organising the race, will sponsor 40 athletes in the marathon. [Stephen Rutto]