Justus Rotich and Valerie Ayabei are the winners of the 3rd edition of the Iten Marathon after leading in the men and women 42km race.
Rotich won the men’s race in 2.14.01, followed closely by Benjamin Kigen at 2.14.26, while the third position went to Joel Kimutai at 2.14.36.
Ayabei took the women’s race after winning in 2.28.57; Vivian Kosgei was second in 2.32.04; and the third position went to Sheila Jebichi, who ran the race in 2.37.28.
Rotich, who trains at his home in Kapkitony, said the race was tough, terming the win as a surprise, saying he was not expecting to win as the competition was tough.
Ms. Ayabei, on the other hand, termed the race as easy as she trains in Iten, and therefore she was at home.
She added that the race, which is in its third edition, had helped to build upcoming athletes and called on them to put in more efforts and ensure they avoid doping and run clean.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said the race was gaining influence given the increasing number of athletes participating each year.
He said it gave local athletes an opportunity to gauge themselves, adding that this year they had gone digital, which ensures everyone locally and internationally is able to see the time taken by each athlete.
This, he said, will enable managers to identify athletes they can train, thus ensuring that they can use their talent to earn a living.
The governor said he aims to use the race to market Iten as a sports destination, saying so far international athletes have set camp in Iten for training, adding they intended to attract more, which will in turn improve the local economy.
He said that this year’s theme was running for climate resilience, saying the county was a source of water to neighbouring counties and therefore the urgent need to conserve the environment.
He said he hoped that residents would adopt water harvesting not only for domestic use but also establish water pans which can be used for irrigation.
By Alice Wanjiru
