Nakuru Governor, Lee Kinyanjui, has warned Uasin Gishu county to watch their backs, saying they are about to lose their bragging rights as the 'Home of Champions'.
Kinyanjui made the remarks on Sunday while flagging off the inaugural Stanbic Nakuru City Half Marathon Marathon that drew nationwide participation, with athletes from Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Coast region, and even Uganda gracing the event.
Kinyanjui, who participated in the 5km fun half-marathon, said the event was not specifically tailored for professional runners, but rather included other categories — such as the fun section — which afforded the youth a perfect platform to showcase their budding talent.
"We also had a 78-year-old man who ran and finished the 21km race. The idea is to make this activity a family fun event. We want to make Nakuru a place where one can live, work and play so that people can walk, jog, run and have fun," said Kinyanjui.
He said the whole idea would turn Nakuru into an inclusive city with the events meant to add some vibrancy into the county's life. This, he said, would ease the high-stress levels among people who lead a mundane life.
Governor Kinyanjui said the organizers would include a category for People Living with Disability (PLWDs) to make the subsequent events all-inclusive.
Nakuru, he added, would put in a bid to dislodge Eldoret as the ‘Home of Champions’ through enhanced infrastructure.
"The construction of a high altitude athletics camp in Keringet at a cost of Sh120 million shilling is almost complete, while Afraha Stadium which is being overhauled will provide a medium-altitude training camp which is a rare gem," he said.
He added that the county government of Nakuru had rolled out an elaborate program to ensure junior athletes are nurtured and educated, to ensure talent is not pursued at the expense of education.
"Sometimes, when you give them just the game and they cannot pursue their education, they end up dropping out of school. To avoid this, we have an academy that has an education component," he said.
Daniel Simiyu and Catherine Relin emerged winners of the Inaugural show.
Simiyu, 20, finished the race at 59:03 ahead of Godfrey Kipchumba who clocked at 59:42. Felix Kibitok wrapped up the podium in 1 hour.
Relin, from Elgeyo Marakwet, won the 21km race in 1:07.29 followed by Gladys Chepkurui (1:07.32) and Caroline Chebet (1:07.38) respectively.
Daisy Chepkemoi emerged the winner in the 10km women's race in 32:25.04 minutes 25 seconds and four seconds, followed by Ludwina Chepng'eno, (32:33.09) and Faith Cherono (32:42.27) respectively.
The topmost position in the 10km men's race went to Iten's Cornellius Kemboi who clocked 28minutes, 53seconds, and six frames to win the men's 10km race ahead of Peter Meaniki, who posted 28:57.06. Ronald Kipkorir came third in 28:59.99.
Elite athletes — who are also the Stanbic Nakuru Brand Ambassadors — World Marathon record holder, Brigid Kosgei, and 1,500Metres Olympic World Champion Geoffrey Kipkorir Kirui also participated.
