A life-changing shot: Jeptoo's fearless run gifts her a new beginning

When Sharon Jeptoo bravely took on the challenging Nandi Barng'etuny Memorial Mountain Running course, little did she know the impact her resilience would have on her life.

The competition was held at its traditional venue in Tinderet, Nandi Hills on Sunday, 7 January.

Despite the absence of proper running gear, Jeptoo's unyielding determination refused to be dampened as she strode through the challenging terrain with only a brassiere.

Chebet going for Boston Marathon three-peat

Now, as the dust settles on that daring run, plans are unfolding to build Jeptoo a permanent home thanks to the Kosgei Walpole Foundation.

Mozzart Sport caught up with the foundation's Chief Executive Officer, Isaiah Kosgei who explained the strenuous work they went through to trace the little-known Jeptoo who hails from Kipteldon Village in Tinderet, Nandi County. Kosgei is still a marathoner at the age of 48.

"I knew there was a mountain run in Tinderet but I did not manage to attend physically. I was, however, waiting for the results. In the evening, we got updates, and I saw a photo of two ladies running almost naked," the marathoner started.

On Monday, 8 January, Kosgei posted on his Facebook account, asking for any leads to the lady. His efforts finally bore fruit when a Facebook user gave him the area chief's contact. Jeptoo hails from Kipteldon Village in Tinderet, Nandi County.

"It touched me and I started asking around how I could get the ladies. I posted on my page and somebody gave me the chief's contact," he continued.

The area chief Mr Kurgat was supportive in giving directions to the place, and eventually, Kosgei got to Jeptoo's home. They were received by a group of 30 people from the village, who were all elated by the great work he was doing.

As he described, Jeptoo is a 34-year-old lady with five kids. She lives in a small mud-thatched house together with her mother and the five kids. 

"The chief directed me, and I used the bodaboda up the hill to the lady's place. Finally, I arrived, and I almost cried seeing where they lived," Kosgei told Mozzart Sport.

Passionate about running yet confronted by the harsh realities of tough economic times, Jeptoo found herself at a crossroads where priorities demanded tough decisions. Despite her unwavering love for the sport, she made the selfless choice to prioritize putting food on her children's table over pursuing her running ambitions. 

However, on January 7, the proximity to the challenging Tinderet Mountain Running course was her beacon of motivation to try her long-term skill.

"She said that she competed because Tinderet was not far from where she lived. She decided to go compete, hoping she would be lucky to win prize money and change her life," Kosgei disclosed.

She started the course dressed in a bra and jacket, but as the course got harder, it became difficult to put her jacket on, leading to her competing in only a bra.

Despite that, she was among the top 30 positions in the women's category. According to the organizers, more awards were available for athletes who took the top 50 positions.

"She ran almost halfway, and the jacket she had became heavy, and she dropped it and then continued running. She lost the jacket which had her ID inside," Kosgei averred.

Noticing her love for running, the foundation gifted her with several training gear and is now in the process of constructing her a decent house. Just like many talented athletes, Jeptoo did not bounce back after her maternal leave, causing her to give up on her career.

"She can train if she gets support. She used to run while in school but she got married and ended her career. She is keen to bounce back," Kosgei offered.

The CEO noted that the foundation was keen to identify as many similar cases as possible and to get the best out of talented athletes who come from poor backgrounds. The foundation also gifted Milcah Menjo who also ran in similar circumstances to Jeptoo's. Menjo also received Ksh 200,000 from the Cabinet Secretary (CS) in charge of Sports, Youth Affairs, and Creative Economy Ababu Namwamba.

Registration for third AK meet set for Nyayo begins

Kosgei called on well-wishers to hold his hand as he sought to identify and nurture as many talents as possible. He also advised athletes to take the first step and put themselves out there, noting that talent is like a flame in the dark which will eventually light up the room.

"Under the foundation, we need to inspire as many women as possible. If I get more financiers, we will support lots of talents because we have hundreds of people struggling to grow their talents because of their tough backgrounds and they do not get support. I will do my best to empower and motivate people," he concluded.