The inaugural Iten International Marathon lived up to its billing following its successful hosting with winners walking away with a cool Ksh1 million each for both men and women.
Caroline Chepchirchir and Samuel Naibei were the eventual winners of the annual Marathon held at the athletics capital, Iten, on December 18, 2022, and which attracted hundreds of athletes and thousands of spectators.
Chepchirchir won the women’s race after clocking 2:28.13 while Naibei crossed the line for the men’s race in a time of 2:08.42.
In the women’s category, Susan Chemamiak scooped second position (2:33.49) bagging the second prize of Ksh 750,000 while Mercy Kipkemoi was third (2:35.09) earning Ksh500,000.
Further, in the men’s category, Joshua Kogo finished in the second position to take the Ksh 750,000 prize after clocking (2:10.33) while Albert Kangogo emerged third (2:11.45) walking away with the third prize of Ksh 500,000.
The colourful marathon that began at the Chororget area of Keiyo South Sub County and ended in Keiyo North Sub County was graced by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui who was representing his Sports counterpart Ababu Namwamba.
Chelugui congratulated the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet for the successful event saying the branding of the Marathon as an international one would rightly position the County as a global destination for athletics championships.
He pledged that the National Government would fast-track the completion of Kamariny and Kipchoge Keino stadiums to help athletes appropriately prepare for such events.
Bigger and better
Governor Wisley Rotich on his part noted that the Marathon was one of his campaign pledges and he would work to ensure it gets bigger and better in the coming years. He announced the date for next year will be made public in January.
Also present as a Guest was Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, who is also the NOREB Chairman. He said the region would rally behind Governor Rotich in developing an athletics circuit in the North Rift, similar to a Grandprix, that would culminate in the Marathon.
Elite athletes who attended the event led by Kenya’s Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) Eliud Kipchoge and the Marathon Ambassador and County Hero Geoffrey Kamworor hailed the Marathon as a local event that they have been yearning for.
“This is what we’ve been waiting for. That is why when I was invited to be the Marathon Ambassador, I did not hesitate to accept the role,” said Kamworor.
Kipchoge said the success of the event will definitely attract over 1,000 athletes next year and called on stakeholders to support the Marathon as a homegrown talent exposure and reward initiative.
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