Kipchoge INEOS Challenge: Nandi County full of expectations

An advertising billboard of local mobile network provider displays Kenya's Olympic marathon champion and World record holder Eliud Kipchoge at sunset in Nairobi, Kenya, on October 8, 2019. [Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP]

With just hours to the INEOS 1:59 challenge, Nandi, the home county of Eliud Kipchoge - the man attempting to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon is full of expectations.

In his native Kapsisiywo village, a big screen has been mounted for locals to watch the show live from Vienna, Austria.

Nandi County department of Youths and Sports said the big screen will be stationed at Kapsisiywo Primary school.

Athletics fans from Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties are expected to turn up in large numbers to watch the much-awaited challenge in public places.

Nandi Executive Committee Member (CECM) for youths and sports Elly Kurgat said the county government will facilitate the installation of the screen in the school ground for the locals to catch up with their son.

“As the department of sports we have organised for the screen to be mounted in Kipchoge’s village and we expect the residents to turn up for the very auspicious moments experiencing their son’s marathon masterpiece,” Mr Kurgat said meeting local athletes in Eliud Kipchoge training complex.

He added that the county has devoted time and resources to inspire the young generation, having World record holder Kipchoge pushing above the ceiling to prove no human is limited.

The CECM said the county will facilitate transportation of fans to watch the race against the two-hour mark at Kipchoge's backyard.

A section of athletes said to have been mentored by the world record holder on Friday converged at a sports complex named after Kipchoge.

The young runners expressed confidence that Kipchoge will break the barrier in the marathon tomorrow.

Vincent Kiprop described Kipchoge as a disciplined runner who is likely to stun the world by crossing the finish line in One hour 59 minutes, and make history as the first man to break the barrier.

"Kipchoge is ever hardworking and punctual in his training. He normally does what is right in time without engaging in unnecessary issues," said Kiprop, athletics coach training upcoming athletes base in Kapsabet.

He added that most of the athletes are ruined by alcohol and immorality which is not the case with Kipchoge.

In Kapsisywo village, Kipchoge clan and members of the family will hold a night vigil at St Peters Catholic church this evening to pray for the marathon legend, according to Kipchoge’s uncle Fredrick Songol.

 “Before the race starts on Saturday, we shall be having another mass and prayers an hour before we go to the public view to join other members to watch," said Mr Songol.

He lauded Kipchoge for also representing a small Kalenjin sub tribe - Talai.

Uasin Gishu will also mount a screen in Eldoret, the town that prides itself as the city of champions.

From the governor’s head of governors press director Silas Tarus, he said that the county boss and the county government officials will join the audience.

“County officials will attend watching party because we have to stand in solidarity with athletes representing the nation, “said Silus Tarus, Director of governor's press service who is in charge of the livestream coverage on Saturday.

He said the giant screen will be placed along the Eldoret-Uganda highway.

The residents will be watching from the public view screen while many will be in clubs and restaurants within the Eldoret town.