T. NashipaeIten residents turn up for the New York City Marathon viewerthon
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 06.11.23. | 09:22
The audience was then treated to a feast of ages as the party reached its crescendo despite the chilly weather.
As Hellen Obiri's seemingly well-measured and calculated strides cruised through the home stretch to claim the 2023 New York Marathon title, thousands of kilometres back home in Kenya, it was yet another moment for jubilation.
Hundreds of residents, including upcoming athletes, active ones, and even retired athletes, had gathered at the Elgon Valley Restaurant in the athletics-rich township for a viewership party to support their colleagues who were chasing glory in the American capital.
Obiri sent the crowd wild when she emerged as the winner of the women's category, clocking 2:27:33 to beat Ethiopia's Letsenbet Gidey, who settled for silver.
2021 New York Marathon champion Albert Korir brought the hall to a standstill when he crossed the line at 2:06:57 to claim silver. Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola won the men's category.
Speaking to the visibly excited audience, Elgeyo Marakwet County Executive Member for Sports Purity Koima praised the Kenyan podium finishers, noting that their efforts finally paid off.
"I am happy because these athletes have flown our Kenyan flag high. It is always an overwhelming moment when you witness Kenyans crushing world records," Koima offered.
The CEC also called on more athletes to register for the upcoming Iten International Marathon set for November 12 in Iten.
"I am also urging more athletes to register for the Iten International Marathon. The prize money is still Ksh1 million for the winners. You can confirm from the previous winners that they received all their money," she told the audience.
The audience was then treated to a feast of ages as the party reached its crescendo despite the chilly weather.
In the men's category, Tamirat Tola crossed the line in 2:04:58, ahead of 2021 champion Albert Korir. Edward Cheserek finished eighth in 2:11:07.
