Kenyans see dust: Ugandan Philip Kipyego wins Loroupe Peace Marathon in Pokot

By Wilberforce Netya

Michael Losuron crosses the finish line in the warriors’ race during the Turkana marathon. [PHOTO: COURTESY]

A Ugandan, Philip Kipyego clocked 28:18 minutes to emerge the winner of 10 kilometre elites male category race in Saturday’s Tegla Loroupe Peace Marathon held at Makutano in West Pokot County.

Kipyego was closely followed by Julius Kaleken from Kenya (28:25) and Daniel Rotich (28:29) from Uganda who came third.

Wilson Kipyego, a reformed warrior from Marakwet finished at 32:58 minutes, winning the warriors’ 10 kilometre male category, followed by   David Kemoi from Uganda in 32:50, while Evans Toroitich, also from Marakwet County, came third in 33:30 minutes.

In the women’s category, Kenya’s Gladys Chepkemoi emerged victorious as Deputy Governor Titus Lotee came fifth in the dignitaries’ two kilometre race.

The annual marathon, organised by the Tegla Loroupe peace Foundation (TLPF) seeks to foster peaceful ties among warring communities.

Loroupe, a former athlete and now a peace ambassador, said the event, which brought together different nationalities,  aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence especially among pastoral communities.

She added that the foundation was contemplating conducting races with the view to educating the public on the dangers of poaching.

The peace ambassador expressed her concern over the increased poaching vice in the country.

“Poaching is a vice that has been on the rise in Kenya in the recent past and we would wish to bring it down as a foundation since it is affecting the country’s economy,” said Loroupe.

Participants from round the globe attended the auspicious occasion that however recorded a lower turnout as compared to the previous seasons.

supported sports

Australian High Commissioner Geoff Tooth, who was the chief guest at the event, said his country greatly supported sports and community development activities, adding that Australia was ready to partner with Kenya in development matters.

Tooth lauded the event organisers pointing out that Australia was a great supporter of sports and community development activities in the local communities.

“Australia, as you may be aware, is a great supporter of sporting activities and we are proud of Loroupe and Kipchoge Keino for the transformations they have brought in Kenya,” said Tooth.

Former renowned athletes and record holders including Kipchoge Keino, Julius Kariuki and Daniel Komen among others graced the occasion.

The colourful event was organised by TLPF in conjunction with Safaricom, Coca-cola East, International Athletics Association Federation, Kenya, and International Olympics Committee among others. —[email protected]