Sponsor threatens to pull out of Discovery Kenya race

SPORTS-DISCOVERY RACE ELDORET Male athletes compete during the 25th edition of the Discover Half Marathon in Eldoret. The event was marred with controversy as there was no clear winner due to repeated cheats by some athletes who joined the race midway. The race that was sponsored by Dr Gabrielle Rosa of Rosa Associati. Dr Rosa stormed from the venue of the event. 07-02-2016. PHOTOS BY: KEVIN TUNOI

It was a day that started with expectations and anxiety was almost palpable – thanks to the hefty perks on offer.

And there were sufficient reasons for the anxiety: the Discovery Kenya 21km race celebrated its silver jubilee anniversary and the prize money for men's 21km winner stood at Sh150,000 and Sh100,000 for the runner-up.

All was set for the 25th edition of the race in Eldoret, which was held in a redesigned route just within the town.

But, unlike in the past, confusion and athletes cheating marked the races' organisation and no one could ascertain the men's 21km winner as organisers sieved through the lists to get the provisional results.

This comes as athletes prepare for the IAAF cross-country Permit Meetings, the Africa cross-country championships and Paris, London, Boston and Rotterdam major marathons.

Nahashion Rokony, who led throughout the race, protested when another athlete was named the winner, saying it was demoralising to be denied the top prize.

"I completed 21km and they still wanted me to do another 3km lap. Some of the race organisers must have helped some athletes to cheat in this race. It's poor organisation and I think the results should be cancelled," said Rokony.

Dr Gabrielle Rosa, who owns the Italian Rosa and Associati camp and sponsors the race, said he would discontinue the race, unless it reverted to its initial course in Eldoret, along Uganda Road.

"I will not organise this race on this course again unless we are allowed to use our initial course. But I also blame the Kenyan organisers," said the silver-haired Dr Rosa.

Organisers, however, shifted blame to the police outrider for the mishaps, saying the motorbike failed to start.

The women's 10km run went on smoothly with Edith Chelimo winning in 33:26.09 ahead of Jane Jelagat (33:26.1), Pascalia Jepkorir (33:57.7) and Valary Chemeli (34:17.33).

The provisional results indicated Abeth Kangogo (61:42.9) won the 21km race, beating Moses Yator (61:44.9) and Patrick Kipng'eno (62:13.3).