Former world 800m champion Alfred Kirwa Yego and former Africa Games champion Tecla Sang will lead 64 veterans at the Devolution Conference 5km road race on Tuesday morning in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county.
“We managed to register 64 athletes for the veterans' race. We know there are many others who would wish to compete but we can only manage such numbers,” said Uasin Gishu County Athletics Kenya Public Relations Officer Bakari Kemei.
Others are Nickson Kiprotich, the 1992 Barcelona 800m silver medalist, William Tanui, the former world 800m champion, Amos Biwott, the first Kenyan to win the 3,000m steeplechase in 1968, Benjamin Limo, former 5,000m world champion and former 400m hurdler Rose Tata Muya.
“The 5km road race will also be preceded by 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m races that will be competed on track at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret,” he explained.
The 5km will start at the Uasin Gishu county headquarters, pass through Uganda Road, Lifecare Hospital, Elgeyo Road, Sirikwa Hotel, back to Uganda Road, Zion Mall, Iten Road and end at the Kip Keino Stadium.
Central Rift Athletics Kenya chairman Abraham Mutai said they have so far registered 2,000 athletes to compete in the other categories.
“Our target is 4,000 athletes, who will share lucrative prizes at the end of the day. By close of business today (Monday), we would have hit the target,” said Mutai.
Mutai said they also plan to unveil a Hall of Fame, expected to be launched by President William Ruto.
“On Wednesday, the president will launch the Hall of Fame at the newly-constructed Eldoret Arboretum. This will consist of all athletes who have won medals across the world including Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, World Championships, and African Championships among others. We shall not leave anybody. It will be an all-inclusive affair,” said Mutai.
