Iten: Justus Rotich and Valerie Ayabei claimed victory in the 3rd edition of the Iten Marathon, securing top positions in the men’s and women’s 42km races, respectively. Rotich crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 1 second, narrowly beating Benjamin Kigen, who finished second at 2:14:26. Joel Kimutai took the third spot with a time of 2:14:36. In the women’s category, Ayabei finished first with a time of 2:28:57, followed by Vivian Kosgei at 2:32:04, and Sheila Jebichi at 2:37:28.
According to Kenya News Agency, Rotich, who trains in Kapkitony, expressed surprise at his win, noting the competition’s intensity. “The race was tough,” Rotich stated, reflecting on his unexpected victory. In contrast, Ayabei found the race easier due to her training in Iten, which she considers home. She emphasized the marathon’s role in nurturing upcoming athletes and encouraged competitors to maintain clean sport practices by avoiding doping.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich highlighted the marathon’s grow
ing influence, marked by an increasing number of participants each year. The event provides local athletes with a platform to evaluate their performance. This year’s digital advancement allows for real-time tracking of athletes’ timings, offering managers the chance to identify and train promising talents, thus enabling them to earn a livelihood through athletics.
The governor also expressed his vision of positioning Iten as a premier sports destination, noting the presence of international athletes training in the region. He aims to attract more global talent, which would boost the local economy. The marathon’s theme, “Running for Climate Resilience,” underscores the county’s commitment to environmental conservation, given its role as a water source for neighboring regions. Governor Rotich urged residents to adopt water harvesting techniques, not only for domestic use but also to establish water pans for irrigation.