Iten, a town that prides itself as the home of champions will finally be hosting a marathon.
Dubbed Iten International Marathon, the event’s first edition will be staged in December.
According to Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich, the marathon has been set for December 18, 2022.
There are two categories that athletes will be competing in – the main 42-kilometre that will see elite and upcoming runners battle it out as well as the 2 kilometres fan race for corporate.
“Welcome to the WORLD ATHLETICS CAPITAL, Iten on 18th Dec 2022,” Governor Rotich said on Monday, November 28, 2022.
Registration for individuals wishing to participate in the Iten International Marathon has been opened.
Elite and upcoming athletes will be required to pay Ksh1,000 for registration while those wanting to participate in the fan race as corporates will be required to pay a registration fee of Ksh50,000.
Run for climate resilience
According to details on the marathon’s website that has already been set up, the event is intended to provide an opportunity for optimal talent exposure to both local and international athletes in Iten, the athletes/iconic town known for hosting multitudes of athletes in preparation for both national and international events.
The theme for the Iten International Marathon is ‘Run for climate resilience’.
“The thematic approach is the promotion of Climate-Smart Resilient practices to foster economic growth, enhance food security and conservation of the environment in line with climate action practices,” read part of the website.
Iten is a town known internationally for being home to Kenyan athletes that have excelled at the global level. The town and its surroundings further hosts tens of athletic camps that are used by not only local but also international athletes.
It is estimated that over 5,000 athletes, local and international, train in Iten daily due to its favourable condition (high altitude).
In 2019, Iten Town was awarded World Athletics Heritage Plaque for its immense contribution to athletics development in the world.
The upcoming Iten International Marathon will be the second in the North Rift after the Eldoret City Marathon which to date prides itself among the highest-paying marathon in Africa.
