The County Government of Nandi through the Department of Sports, Youth Affairs, and Art, on Sunday, December 12, 2021, held the inaugural Koitalel Samoei Half Marathon and 21 kilometers cycling race to raise awareness on ending Gender-Based Violence.
The department organized the race in remembrance of Koitalel Samoei and in honor of the late athlete Agnes Tirop who was murdered in October 2021.
“This event was to take place on October 17 in honor of our fallen heroes but was shifted to today so as to also create awareness against gender-based violence against the silent athletes and everyone at large,” said Nandi County Executive Member for sports Elly Kurgat.
The half marathon started at Kapsabet Nandi Fame Hotel and ended at Nandi Hills stadium.
In the tough, rough, and tight men’s race, Amos Kiplagat won followed closely by Samuel Naibei and Hillary Kiprotich.
In the ladies’ race, Jackline Chelal triumphed while Gladys Chepkurui came second.
The county was holding the cycling event for the first time which attracted hundreds of cyclists.
“We are amazed to see cyclists all over the country coming to Nandi County to participate in the race. This is a good gesture for our county and we are hoping to organize more cycling events in the future,” said Kennedy Tanui County Chief Officer for Sports.
After the two races, Governor Stephen Sang officially launched the Governor Football Cup which will continue to March 2022.
The governor urged athletes along with the rest of the county residents in the silence of GBV to choose to live by choosing to leave.
“Choose to live, by choosing to leave. If it disturbs your peace, it is not working out. If it ruins your happiness, character, behavior, reputation and drains your energy if it gives your pain, wounds, sorrow, heartbreak, headache, stress, grief, sleepless nights and discomfort, leave,” he said.
Governor Sang also launched the Governor’s Cup tournament which involves football and volleyball for both men and women.
The tournament will see teams across the county compete for the ultimate prize during the finals in April 2022.
