Balancing Motherhood and Leadership: How Purity Koima organized the inaugural Iten International Marathon

Elgeyo Marakwet, Kenya’s "Home of Champions," is famous for producing world-beating athletes, including former Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei, women's only world marathon record holder Mary Keitany, 800m world record holder David Rudisha, former 5,000m silver medalist Sylvia Kibet, and former world cross country champion Irene Cheptai.

However, little attention is given to the leaders responsible for the well-being of these athletes. One such leader is County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Sports, Youth Affairs, and Social Services, Purity Koima.

Koima was appointed to office on October 24, barely a month after delivering her son on September 15. She was officially sworn in on November 4.

Her first responsibility was to organize the inaugural edition of the Iten International Marathon, which took place on December 18, 2022.

Despite the demanding challenge of breastfeeding her son, she exemplified true leadership by organizing the event in a record five weeks.

The marathon attracted 1,530 athletes, with a total of Ksh 7.4 million awarded as prize money.

Mozzart Sport caught up with her to understand how she managed this feat.

Koima noted that her strong belief in God's guidance and support gave her the strength and confidence to balance her responsibilities as a mother and a leader.

“When I received the appointment, I was excited but also worried. But I am a Christian and believed that the Lord who gave me the job would provide the strength to do it. When I got to work, I also looked for somebody who could help with taking care of the child,” she told Mozzart Sport.

Koima recounted the rigorous process she underwent following her appointment, which involved a series of comprehensive interviews to assess her qualifications and suitability for the role.

“I came for the vetting with my sister to take care of my child. When I was shortlisted, I went for the interview and I passed. During the inauguration is when my baby stayed for the longest time without being breastfed and I was very worried. But it went well,” she shared.

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Organizing a marathon from scratch was not a walk in the park. The dates were already set, and she had to find sponsors and convince athletes to participate.

“When I came to office, the first responsibility was to organize the Iten International Marathon. It was an inaugural marathon, and the dates were already set, so I had to deliver. We did not have partners or any sponsors. The governor really came through. He linked me up with different sponsors,” she explained.

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Driven by her strong belief in the power of breastfeeding, Koima revealed that she had to carry her son to most meetings, even to the start line despite the chilly weather of Iten.

This led to her son being nicknamed Waziri or Number 11.

“The night before the marathon, the merchandise was delayed, and at midnight, I was still with the baby in town waiting for the supplier. In the morning again, I went to the start line with him. During the arrivals, awards, and all that, he was present,” she recalled.

The marathon has grown to become one of the best in the athletics-rich region. The second edition was held on Sunday, November 12, 2023, with the third edition slated for November 17, 2024.