Elgeyo Marakwet County Prepares for Safaricom Iten Road Race Set for This Weekend

Safaricom (NSE) has today announced a Ksh.1.3 million sponsorship for the Iten 10km road race set to take place this Sunday, 18^th August 2019 in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

More than 400 athletes are expected to participate in the annual race including defending champion Valary Aiyabei who is also the current Eldoret City Marathon champion.

“The Safaricom Iten Road Race has become one of the most famous races not just in Elgeyo Marakwet but all over the country because it attracts some of the best athletes from across the nation. We expect a good turnout for both the 10km and 2km categories,” said Kibet Biwott, Race Director.

The race will be flagged off at Bugar and end at Iten grounds with this year’s winners set to receive Ksh. 50,000, with second and third placed finishers pocketing Ksh.40, 000 and Ksh.30, 000 respectively.

“It’s such a joy to see great champions such as defending champion Aiyabei who is a former Barcelona marathon winner and Prague half marathon champion Joan Chelimo who were discovered at this race go on to represent Kenya at international meets. Through our vision of Transforming Live we seek to continuously support the sports fraternity in discovering grassroots talent,” said Michael Joseph, CEO-Safaricom.

Elgeyo Marakwet County which hosts Iten town has long been known as the home of champions and is now also renowned as a top international training Centre for elite runners from all over the world.

The race categories are 10kms, 2kms fun race for seniors, and 2kms race for children.