North rift towns of Eldoret, Iten and Kapsabet went quiet at the end of 2019 Berlin marathon that was won by Kenenisa Bekele almost breaking the world record currently held by Eliud Kipchoge.
In Eldoret, elite and untested athletes cheered their colleagues competing in Berlin but unlike last year where Kipchoge broke the world record and Amos Kipruto finishing second with former world record holder Wilson Kipsang completing the podium, it was a different script today.
At the Marathon viewerthon, which creates a forum that brings together athletes and marathon fans for a day of engagement and solidarity as they cheer the Kenyan compatriots to victory as they cheer the race on live TV.
In the viewerthon, Olympic marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich, Abdi Negaye- Dutch marathon champion and Stephen Katam- 2018 Istanbul marathon Champion cheered on their compatriots.
Corperates like Bank of Africa, Kenya Revenue Authority provided an avenue for the locals to watch the events as they unfold in the Geramny capital among other world marathon majors.
“Bank of Africa believes that Kenyan athletes are an integral part of the country’s heritage. In line with the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility pillar of sports, arts and culture, we are committed to growing and enhancing their craft as well as their lives,” said the bank;’s Public Relations Officer Carren Wanjiru.
KRA North Rift chief manager in charge of Domestic Taxes Andrew Mpungu said that the Authority was committed to ensuring that athletes are tax compliant.
“We want our athletes to be tax compliant. This is why we take this opportunity to sensitize and be part of them to be tax compliant,” said Mr Mpungu.
Multichoice Africa North Rift Sales and Marketing manager Eric Dennis said,”We are committed to supporting athletes and other sports. We will also continue reducing our prices even as we continue sponsoring the local talents.”
Mr Elias Kiptum, an athlete and event organiser said that all the focus was now on Berlin Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge ahead of his under 2 hours attempt and Chicago marathon.
“We believe that Kipchoge will win in the 1:59 attempt and we wish him the very best. There is need as a country to continue nurturing more talents who will take over from the lies of Eliud Kipchoge,” said Mr Kiptum