The inaugural Iten International Marathon was on Monday, December 12, 2022, officially launched.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich presided over the launch of the marathon scheduled for Sunday, December 18, 2022.
During the launch, sponsors and race ambassadors were present. Among the race ambassadors are former World Half Marathon record holder Joycline Jepkosgei and long-distance sensational Geoffrey Kamworor who was represented by his spouse Joy Kamworor at the official launch of the race.
Speaking during the event, Governor Rotich revealed that winners of the 42 kilometres race, both male and female categories will get a cash prize of Ksh1 million.
“It is an opportunity for our athletes who have been training and have not had an opportunity to participate in a marathon to showcase their prowess and win the Sh1 million that is up for grabs both for men and women,” Rotich said in a post on his Facebook page.
Athletes that will finish second and third in the main race will bag Ksh750,000 and Ksh500,000 respectively. There will also be cash prizes for the best 20 athletes in both races.
Run for Climate Resilience
Registration is still ongoing. Athletes wishing to compete in the race are required to pay a Ksh1,000 registration fee.
There will also be a fun race for corporates.
The theme for the Iten International Marathon is ‘Run for Climate Resilience’.
But as Iten town prepares to host its inaugural marathon, Governor Rotich has affirmed his commitment to ensuring that athletics is developed further in the county.
“I will ensure that we post coaches to our schools who will identify talent. Those picked will be taken to camps for training,” the county boss noted.
“I invite every Kenyan to come and run in Elgeyo Marakwet. There is more than running here…it is where champions and made. You could be that champion this weekend!” he added.
