On Thursday, April 14, the Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, took his running to Karura Forest where he was joined by Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala, and top officials from both the Ministry of Tourism and Magical Kenya.
Kipchoge has renewed his partnership with Magical Kenya that will see the long-distance runner remain as the Brand Ambassador to market Kenya as a tourist destination for the next six months.
As part of the six-month deal, Kipchoge will be in the convoy traveling to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, not as a competitor, but as a Kenyan ambassador.
Also Read: Kenyan Athlete Banned From Running For Four Years
The Commonwealth Games will take place in Birmingham, UK from July 28 to August 8.
“It is very exciting. This is a crucial partnership. I am a Kenyan and this is bringing in patriotism and that’s why I love to partner with Magical Kenya. There’s a lot in store. We want to make people come and explore and know how Kenya is,” Kipchoge noted.
As part of the deal, Kipchoge is expected to visit various tourist attraction sites in the country in an effort to market them to the rest of the world.
CS Balala noted that Kipchoge will not focus on the main tourist attraction sites but on unique sites in the country.
“We want to take Eliud Kipchoge to destinations that are not main areas like beaches and the Maasai Mara but areas where it is unique in terms of conservation and sustainability of the environment,” CS Balala noted.
The Ministry of Tourism, through Magical Kenya, hopes to leverage on Kipchoge’s global appeal to draw more tourists to the country.
Also Read: Olympian Allyson Felix Announces Retirement in Emotional Post