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KENYA: Eldoret Marathan, the fan and the Glamour of the Athletes
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Submitted by IQ4News on Sun, 27/11/2011 - 7:22pm
By Joab Apollo
An adage “every athlete upfront is a Kenyan” continues to earn prominence among Kenyans, and it is something they say with pride, because Kenyan athletes undoubtedly are a force to reckon with internationally. They have won medals and instilled in Kenya a sense of unmatched pride.
When Brazilians talk about their football, Kenyans find solace in their great caliber of runners. When Nations like England draw pride in their Cricket teams, Kenyans have got something to turn to in their athletes. They have become world beaters.
But on Sunday, it was a different ball game if not a track race. Kenyans were competing against themselves in the KASS FM Eldoret Marathon. As a matter of fact, rarely do Kenyans get a chance to have a one on one treat to the enviable sprinting skills of their athletes.
Many a times they watch them outrun their opponents on TV and when they train, they are always alone in the ragged terrain of the Rift Valley. That is why on Sunday by 6.00 am the 42 Kilometer Kapsabet-Eldoret road was a beehive of activity as fans pitched tents, from children to the old gourds.
The event was fun, they were cheering on the runners unceasingly with some joining them on the way. The roads were blocked for the major event, causing passengers nightmares while the streets of Eldoret town was flooded by people. The Police found it rough controlling the pedestrians and motorists.
Entertainment was galore as different singers and comedians took to the stage to thrill all who gathered. Renowned Gospel musician, Emmy Kosgey, was there to take the fans gaga and so did the Zengelewa brothers, a group of three old men who performed comedy.
In the Eldoret region, athletics is regarded highly. It is the core business, leading to its name, the City of Champions.
Indeed, many world beaters like Kipchoge Keino, Ezekiel Kemboi, Pamela Jelimo, to mention but a few hail from the area and they are a source of inspiration to many young people who yearn to follow in their footsteps.
The athletes are in a class of their own that keeps many a youth look forward to such a status. They own grand homes, ride in sleek cars and spot designer wear.
Many have swathes of land, employing hundreds of Kenyans in their tea and maize farms. But the politicians fear them. For many like the 2000 Boston Marathon winner Elijah Lagat have felled the mighty of Kenyan politics in parliamentary elections.
He won it 2007 after previous attempt flopped when his Emgwen constituents advised him to go back to class. He obeyed and came back with a degree in History and Development Studies from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, and they handed him the victory, trouncing seasoned politicians.
“For us former athletes this is a big event. It is an inspiration to young people. I am one of the people who discovered his athletic talent by taking part in a 12 Kilometer race that was organized years ago here in Eldoret. It bolstered me and as a result, I am what I am because of sports,” he says.
He urges the athletes to invest well after winning races, arguing that investments help in a rainy day.
“Invest well in education because after becoming old that will be the only thing you will turn to,” He advises.
He called on the government to take sporting seriously by increasing the budgetary allocation for sports to help young people advance their abilities.
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