World U-18 stars to light up Baringo race: Athletes to test ground ahead of 2018 competitions

2017 Baringo half marathon launch From left: World U-18 800m silver medalist Lydia Jeruto, Lotto Foundation Brian Waluchio, World U-18 2000m steeplechase silver medalist Cleopas kandie Mayan , Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis, AK President Jackson Tuwei and Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie with Ksh. 5million dummy cheque during Baraingo Half Ma rathon launch in Nairobi on Oct. 13, 2017. [Dennis Okeyo, Standard]

Mayan and Jeruto to use half marathon showdown as yard stick for new season.

Reigning world Under-18 silver medalists Cleophas Kandie Mayan (2,000m steeplechase) and Lydia Jeruto (800m) will line up in the 15th Baringo half marathon set for Kabarnet on November 4.

Since the cross country season has started, the Nairobi 2017 silver medalists will line up in 6km races in preparation for the 2018 season: the Africa Cross Country Championships in March and the IAAF World Under-20 in Tampere, Finland, in July.

“I missed the opportunity to become a world champion in Nairobi. I have now started training and rectified the mistakes that made me miss gold medal. I will start off preparations for 2018 at the Baringo half marathon, which is a race in my home area,” said Mayan.

Yesterday, race organisers received Sh5m from Lotto Foundation, which is up from Sh4m sponsorship last year.

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei, Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis, Lotto Foundation Chairman Brian Waluchio and Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie attended the launch of the race.

The race seeks to expand to international horizons and two athletes from Ethiopia will line up.

Last year, Edith Chelimo and Kericho-based runner Isaac Kipkoech won the race, whose patron is Paul Tergat, the newly elected National Olympics Committee of Kenya President.

Waluchio commended the organisers for initiating the event that not only seeks to grow and nurture talent from Baringo, but also support good cause and promotes sport tourism in the region.

“The renewal of this partnership aligns with our long term plans to continue contributing positively to the world of sports” Waluchio said.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Kiptis assured the organisers of his support saying he was hopeful such an event will lure the county’s youth into sports.