Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea has called for greater investment in sports infrastructure, urging both Athletics Kenya and the International Olympic Committee to support the development of Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
Speaking in an interview during the launch of a tree planting exercise in partnership with the Eldoret City Marathon at Hill School Eldoret, Kapkea lauded the growing status of the Eldoret City Marathon and its instrumental role in nurturing young athletic talents.
The appeal aims to use ongoing races and marathons in the region as a platform to push for facilities that reflect the region’s status as a global athletics powerhouse.
He further expressed appreciation to President William Ruto for progress made in constructing Kipchoge Stadium in Eldoret, which is reported to be between 60 and 70 percent complete and expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
He noted that the project marks a significant milestone, as previous administrations since independence had not delivered a stadium in the region.
“Despite producing world-class athletes since 1963 and consistently raising Kenya’s flag on the global stage, residents of Uasin Gishu County have long lacked a proper stadium. “Completing Kipchoge Stadium and fast-tracking other facilities such as Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Kapsabet, Nandi County and Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet will help honor athletes and support the continued growth of sports in the region,” alluded Kapkea.
He noted that such infrastructure will not only celebrate athletic excellence but also provide a lasting legacy for future generations of Kenyan champions.
In regard to the Eldoret City Marathon with the theme Climate Action, slated for April 26 this year, Kapkea affirmed that the county, which is the main sponsor together with partners, has done enough planning to host the international event.
He emphasized the positive impact of the Eldoret City Marathon event, which features international athletes and delegates, noting it serves to boost the economy of Eldoret City and Kenya at large, acting as a major catalyst for sports tourism, wealth creation for athletes through high prize money and business improvement by promoting various sectors like the hotel and accommodation industry and others in the ‘City of Champions.’
Eldoret City Marathon Director Moses Tanui announced that they are having other Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with China and Ethiopia and an exchange program has been established between the Eldoret City Marathon and the Great Ethiopian Run.
In the exchange programme two athletes from Ethiopia participate in the Eldoret race, while two winners from Eldoret are selected to compete in Ethiopia.
Tanui indicated that this year’s Eldoret City 7th Edition event features one-mile races, middle-distance runners, and elite athletes, this development he said, aims to strengthen regional athletics collaboration and promote talent exchange between Kenya and Ethiopia.
As he encouraged athletes to register before the deadline on 23rd April, Tanui hinted at introducing a kids’ race, a speed race of 1.6 kilometers and 10-kilometer fun race for sponsors and other stakeholders.
“So I’m telling all the athletes that you must register before 23rd April, be clean and come and run a clean Eldoret City Marathon, as we are there with the anti-doping agencies. If you want to see a competition like the Boston and London Marathons, come to Eldoret on 26th April. Last year we had 16 countries that participated, and we hope that this year will be more,” he said.
Deputy County Commissioner at Uasin Gishu County Commissioner’s Office, Dominic Onyango, affirmed government readiness and support in terms of ensuring security during the upcoming Eldoret City Marathon event.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
