Athletics: Fans set to watch World Marathon record chase in Eldoret

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line to win the 42nd Berlin Marathon on September 27, 2015. Eliud Kipchoge failed in his bid to set a third straight world record at the Berlin marathon on Sunday after winning in an unofficial time of two hours, 04.01 minutes. AFP PHOT

With the world’s focus on tomorrow’s potentially record-breaking BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of Africa’s (BOA) World Marathon Majors viewing party shifts to Eldoret where hundreds of fans will follow the live race at the Klique Hotel.

The BOA “Viewerthons” are a series of events where the bank invites elite and upcoming athletes along with the local community to follow the World Marathon Majors races from Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York while being taken through education programmes.

Tomorrow’s Eldoret viewing, which is in its third year, will provide budding and seasoned athletes an opportunity to receive financial advice, information on taxation, media training and professional advice on anti-doping for free.

This time round, BOA have partnered with Isuzu East Africa, partners of Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge who will be chasing the world marathon record alongside compatriot, 2017 Tokyo Marathon winner and former world record holder Wilson Kipsang.

Also chasing Dennis Kimetto’s world record of two hours, two minutes and 57 seconds in Berlin is Ethiopia’s defending Berlin Marathon champion, Kenenisa Bekele.

“Bank of Africa has always been proud to be associated with the athletes in Kenya who have flown the Kenyan flag high for years.

The viewing event not only brings together family, friends and relatives to watch the showdown live on a more enhanced television screen but also has been key in promoting financial literacy among these athletic communities,” said Bank of Africa’s head of marketing, Jimmi Wanjohi.

In addition to sponsoring the marathon viewing parties, BOA offers a distinctive package for sportsmen and women through its ‘Mwanariadha Account’ whose features and benefits further contribute to their financial goals as athletes.

Isuzu East Africa last week signed a two-year, Sh15 million partnership with Kipchoge which includes giving the Olympic champion an Isuzu pick-up vehicle for personal and professional use.

Prague Marathon champion and course record holder Valery Aiyabei (personal best 2:21:57) and Gladys Cherono (2:19:25), winner of the 2015 BMW Berlin Marathon, will represent Kenya in the women’s race tomorrow. [Standard Sports]