On Sunday, December 18, 2022, Samwel Kiplimo Naibei and Caroline Jepchirchir triumphed at the inaugural Iten International Marathon.
Naibei and Jepchirhcir overcame a strong field to emerge the winners of the race organized by the County Government of Elgeyo - Marakwet in conjunction with other partners.
The former hails from Trans Nzoia County, precisely Endebess, while Jepchirchir is from the neighbouring Uasin Gishu County.
Also Read: Iten to Host Kenya’s First Ever International Marathon
They are expected to each earn Ksh 1,000,000 in prize money thanks to their excellent performances, in a locality where most of the world’s top athletes reside.
The race was flagged off by Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang, who doubles up as the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) chairperson.
Sang stated that their aim is to curb the increasing cases of doping in the country.
“The Northrift Economic Bloc (NOREB) is working with the national government to set up a run-clean, win-clean athletic ecosystem,” he ended.
Other prominent individuals who graced the event include the reigning world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge and his training mate Geoffrey Kamworor.
Kipchoge and the other guests planted trees to mark the historic event.
Iten, popularly known as the Home of Champions, is arguably the vocal point of athletics in Kenya.
Runners from different corners of the country usually converge in Iten to sharpen their skills.