THREE BATTLES IN ONE: Chicago Marathon to witness battle of honour for Elgeyo, Nandi and Uasin Gishu Counties

Kenya's Edna Kiplagat (L) runs with compatriot Florence Kiplagat as they compete in the women's elite class runners during the London Marathon April 13, 2014. REUTERS

The battle for global marathon supremacy among three North Rift counties — Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Uasin Gishu — comes alive at the 39th Chicago Marathon this evening.

Defending champions Dickson Chumba (Uasin Gishu) and Florence Kiplagat (Elgeyo Marakwet) will each strive for glory and, at best, impress Governors Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), who are locked up in a battle of bragging rights for the marathon ‘champions’ tag.

Chumba, born in Uasin Gishu County, is the fastest entrant in the men’s race with a personal best time of two hours four minutes and 52 seconds.

He will be up against two-time world champion Abel Kirui (2:05:04) of Nandi County with both looking to bounce back after a series of injuries.

Elgeyo Marakwet’s fans will be rooting for Florence Kiplagat to defend her title as she battles against another Elgeyo-Marakwet product, Edna Kiplagat. Bank of Africa has arranged a treat for athletes and fans in Nandi County with a viewing of the Chicago race with an athletes’ workshop starting at 11am to be followed by the race from 3:30pm.

Jeremiah Kayago, Bank of Africa’s Eldoret branch manager, said the workshop will help educate athletes in investment and banking.

Kenya Revenue Authority will also take athletes through issues of banking and customs.

Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties traditionally boast of nurturing world-beating athletics talent with Nandi priding itself as the “Source of Champions” while Uasin Gishu boasts of its Eldoret headquarters being the “City of Champions” and Elgeyo-Marakwet claiming the title of the “Home of Champions.”

The Kenyans will, however, have to contend with Ethiopia’s Abayneh Ayele, who has more recent form to his name, finishing sixth in the Dubai Marathon in 2:06:45 in January and fourth at the World Half Marathon Championships.

Other names to watch include Shanghai Marathon winner Paul Lonyangata (2:07:14), Mumbai Marathon winner Gideon Kipketer (2:08:14), former Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist Micah Kogo (2:06:56) and debutant Stephen Sambu, who arrives with 27:25 10km and 60:41 half marathon personal bests to his name.

Florence Kiplagat (2:19:44) faces her namesake Edna (2:19:50) in the women’s race along with Boston Marathon winner Atsede Baysa (2:22:03), Frankfurt Marathon winner Gullume Chala (2:23:12), Paris Marathon winner Visiline Jepkesho (2:24:44) and former Amsterdam Marathon winner Valentine Kipketer (2:23:02).