National Olympic Committee of Kenya NOC-K President Paul Tergat has led the country in mourning the late marathoner Joseph Chebet who died in Eldoret on July 7 after being hosptalised
Chebet was the winner of the 1999 Boston Marathon. He also won the New York marathon the same year.
"I have learnt with great shock and disbelief about the death of my long time friend and calm-demeanoured marathoner par excellence, Joseph Chebet," Tergat said.
Chebet also won the Amsterdam and Torino marathons in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
"Chebet was one of the trailblazing major city marathon runner whose focused character got him all the way from Kapyego, Elgeyo Marakwet County, to winning in most of the coveted cities marathons.
"I am devastated by this loss, coming on while I am away in PyeomgChang, Korea, for the New Horizons Academy, a legacy project of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Youth Olympic Games to help young athletes, especially and, including non-winter regions like Africa to practice and qualify for the 2024 Gangwon similar event," Tergat added.
He went on: "To his family, friends and fellow athletes, I extend my deep sympathies and condolences over this tragedy and pray for God’s strength and fortitude to bear with the loss."
