Justus Rotich and Valerie Ayabei emerged victorious in the 3rd edition of the Iten Marathon, leading the men’s and women’s 42km races respectively.
Rotich clinched the men’s title with a time of 2:14:01, narrowly beating Benjamin Kigen, who finished second in 2:14:26. Joel Kimutai secured third place with a time of 2:14:36.
In the women’s category, Ayabei dominated the race, finishing in 2:28:57. Vivian Kosgei followed in 2:32:04, while Sheila Jebichi came in third, completing the course in 2:37:28.
Challenging Yet Rewarding
Rotich, who trains in Kapkitony, described the race as tough, expressing surprise at his victory given the stiff competition. In contrast, Ayabei found the race easier, noting her familiarity with the Iten terrain where she trains regularly.
Ayabei praised the event’s role in nurturing upcoming athletes and urged participants to remain committed to clean running by avoiding doping.
Growing Influence and Digital Integration
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich highlighted the increasing popularity of the marathon, with more athletes participating each year. He noted the event’s shift to digital timing, allowing local and international stakeholders to monitor performance in real time. This, he said, would help talent managers identify promising athletes, offering them opportunities to train and build successful careers.
Promoting Iten as a Sports Hub
Governor Rotich emphasized his vision of positioning Iten as a premier sports destination, citing its appeal to international athletes who frequently train in the region. He added that the influx of athletes contributes to the local economy, and he aims to attract even more in the future.
Focus on Climate Resilience
This year’s marathon carried the theme Running for Climate Resilience, highlighting the county’s critical role as a water source for neighboring regions. The governor called on residents to adopt water conservation practices, such as water harvesting and creating water pans for irrigation, to safeguard the environment and ensure sustainable development.
