Over 500 athletes have already registered for the 5th edition of Eldoret City marathon set for October 1st in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county.
Race director Moses Tanui, speaking during the tree planting session today at the Eldoret special school, said that they have registered a small number just because Kenya has the culture of last minute rush in doing everything.
The former double Boston marathon champion said that they have already procured electronic running bibs ahead of the race.
“Planting trees is a noble course and our theme is Climate Action and we are doing this in a special school where we have special hearts as the Eldoret City marathon and we are planting trees in this school for these special people that need special attention,” said Tanui, the double Boston marathon champion.
With Kenya’s culture of late registration, Tanui admitted that in the last week, they are sure of recording the highest number of athletes.
“We expect more athletes in the last minute just than any other Kenyans who like last minute rush. It is Kenyan at the last minute. At the same time, this will be a special year because we have foreign sponsors and if you see a sponsor being keen to sponsor this is good,” he explained.
Sofia Gachanja, the school board chair said that they are grateful for the noble course to make their environment better.
“This is a school of their kind with children of multiple challenges, which is difficult to handle. I believe as a board chair that people will learn that there is a school of its own kind. Whatever you have done today will go in our history books,” she said.
School principal David Yegon said that as a school they are happy that they are being recognized especially for the learners who have participated in planting trees.
“These children need people like us and now we are together, we invite you to be with us all round,” he said.