Sophie Chepchirchir and Emmanuel Maru were crowned winners of Agnes Tirop Memorial Fun Run and Ride held at Koitalel Samoei University College in Mosoriot, Nandi County.
The Sunday race saw more than 1000 athletes turn up with the cycling event attracting a good number of participants
Chepchirchir took an early lead in the 10 km road race before she crossed the line in 33:02.3 ahead of Feliciana Jepkosgei who clocked 33: 57.5 while Brenda Tuwei was third in 34:5.1
Speaking to KNA, Chepchirchir said when she heard about the race, she was determined to compete and win to honour Tirop who was an inspiration to many athletes
“Let us be ambassadors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) so that we can eradicate this vice in our society. Women in sports and young girls going through tough times should come out and speak,” she said.
In the men’s category, Maru crossed the line in 29:23 ahead of Kelvin Kibiwott who clocked 29:33 while Gideon Kiprotich was third in 29:41.
In the Women’s 42 km cycling category, Nancy Debe led the race beating Monica Jelimo to second and Kenro Masiga took the third position.
In the men’s category, John Kariuki won in 1:01:34 ahead of Charles Kagimo1:03:42 and Salim Kipkongei who took the third position in 1:04:46
In the 2km women only race, Mary Kigen won the race followed by Leah Murei and Stella Jelimo took the third position.
The race was organized by Tirop’s Angels Trust in partnership with Adidas to sensitize the community on the need to stop GBV
Tirop’s Angels Trust chairperson Viola Lagat said Tirop died a painful death when her career was just taking off
“No woman should go through GBV. That’s why we are here to sensitize the community. We are losing so many talents to this menace. It is time to speak, put shame aside and say we need help. Never again should we lose another human being on something we can talk about,” she said
Officials from Rural Women Peace Link stated that the roots of violence are there in our families and most cases don’t see the light of the day due to culture.
They said victims should come out and speak, report the offenders to authorities so that law can take its cause instead of solving the matter through kangaroo courts.
Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir said there is a need for dialogue within families so that violence can be avoided.
“Life is precious and no one should end it through violence. Let us join hands and eradicate this vice in our community. We are ready to hold hands and help individuals who are ready to speak up,” she said
Family members present demanded justice for their daughter whose life was brought to a tragic end as a result of GBV
Elgeyo Marakwet Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek who was the guest of honor during the event said marriage is beautiful but not when violence is involved.
“Marriage is supposed to be beautiful and if it’s not working, walk away. There is life after marriage. Don’t stay there until you become a statistic of GBV,” she said.
The Deputy Governor said this will be an annual event to nurture girl child athletes in honor of Tirop.
She called upon various stakeholders and the Nandi county government to honor Tirop in other ways by increasing scholarships in her community or even naming a road after her.
By Linet Wafula
