Deputy National Assembly Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei was in high spirits after successfully completing a 10-kilometre race during the Eldoret City Marathon.
The marathon, founded in 2018 to nurture young and little-known long-distance running talents while promoting environmental conservation, attracted several local leaders, with Shollei among the notable participants.
Speaking after participating in the marathon, Shollei described the event as a life experience, highlighting the excitement of seeing many residents come out to cheer the runners.
"The race was a safe one. I have enjoyed it, and the hundreds of citizens who were by the roadside have really motivated me," Shollei shared after the race.
"I was worried after having spent the entire day here on Saturday building the structures. However, I woke up rejuvenated and managed to participate in the race. I only slept for two and a half hours, but now I am okay."
Shollei, who also serves as the Woman Representative for Uasin Gishu County, expressed her gratitude to the organisers for the successful event.
"I am happy that the local organising committee, Athletics Kenya, and the Ministry of Sports have really helped. We have had a better organisation than last year," she added.
Meanwhile, Shollei expressed regret that tens of athletes missed out on participating in the event due to their failure to pick up bibs and do their registration on time.
In the women's category of the 6th edition of the race, Gladys Koeg clinched the bronze medal, Sheila Kemei secured the silver, and Viola Chemweno took home the gold.
Koeg was awarded Ksh1 million for third place, Kemei received Ksh1.5 million for second, and Chemweno was awarded Ksh3.5 million for her gold medal victory.
In the men's race, Kipchumba Timothy, Geoffrey Chirchir, and Edwin Kipruto won the bronze, silver, and gold medals, respectively, also receiving the same prize amounts as their female counterparts.
The Eldoret City Marathon was established to provide hidden talents with an opportunity to compete locally, eliminating the need for a manager or agent to register for a world-class event. It serves as a platform to give these athletes national recognition while also introducing them to agents, managers, and a broader international audience.
