Celebrity runners expected for Kiptum’s burial in Elgeyo on Friday
Several athletics stars both in Kenya and outside the country are expected to throng the sleepy Chepkorio Village in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Friday to pay homage to fallen men marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum who died last week through a fatal road accident in Kaptagat.
With the news of Kiptum’s death having spread like bushfire, Kenya shall welcome distinguished guests they have only been seeing either on television or newspapers.
Among the prospective guests include IAAF President Sebastian Coe, Ugandan middle and long distance runner Joshua Cheptigei and Britain’s long distance sensation Mo Farah among others.
The visit by the superstars to pay their last respects to Kiptum comes on the backdrop of the Kenyan government announcing that it shall accord the deceased a State burial even as it extended her philanthropy to his family by constructing a house that will be completed by Friday in good time for the burial.
President William Ruto who is expected to lead other senior government officials at the burial, instructed that a three-bedroom house be constructed within seven days with workers working around the clock to beat the deadline.
Dubbed as a unique project, the architecture of the house is eye-catching and so far, wiring and piping have already been done with cold pressed steel being used as primary construction material. Despite mourning their bread winner the late Kiptum’s family can take heart in that engineers at the site have expressed optimism of completing the work within the stipulated period.
Kiptum, who died alongside his coach, is said to have commanded respect amongst local villagers who are expected to attend the burial im droves to give a befitting send-off to their beloved son.
Meanwhile, Tatu City yesterday launched Sports @ Tatu, a recreational hub designed to promote wellness, fitness, and community engagement within its thriving Live, Work, Play ecosystem. The new facility was officially opened by legendary athlete Lornah Kiplagat.
Created in association with Unity Homes, a developer of inclusive residential communities in Kenya and Nigeria, Sports @ Tatu is poised to benefit Tatu City’s 4,000 residents, over 10,000-day visitors, 80 businesses, and over 5,000 pupils and students, reflecting its pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of Tatu City’s community and the environs.
Sports @ Tatu features a high-quality astroturf football pitch perfect for 5-a-side matches and a standard-sized basketball court ideal for games and pickup matches for people of all ages and abilities.
Linda Nyaseda, Head of City Management and DCC at Tatu City, stated, “The introduction of Sports @ Tatu is a significant leap forward in our mission to cultivate a vibrant and healthy community. Whether you reside in Tatu City or our neighbouring community, we invite everyone to experience the transformative power of physical activity.”
Kenyan World Champion and Olympian Lornah Kiplagat, renowned for her exceptional achievements in long-distance running and philanthropic initiatives, is Tatu City’s Health and Wellness Ambassador. Kiplagat has been pivotal in shaping the design and development of running trails and fitness activities at Tatu City.
“Sports @ Tatu represents more than just a facility. It embodies a shared commitment to harnessing the power of sports and recreation to nurture a sense of camaraderie and vitality within our community. I am thrilled to see this vision come to life and look forward to witnessing its positive impact on the lives of residents and visitors alike,” said Lornah Kiplagat, Tatu City’s Health and Wellness Ambassador.
Sports @ Tatu comprises over 100 km of pedestrian walkways, cycle paths and nature trails, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities amidst the lush greenery of Tatu City’s landscape. The Green Link, a network of pedestrian and cycling trails within Tatu Central, the new business and living district, further enhances connectivity between green areas and sports parks, emphasising Tatu City’s commitment to ecological sustainability and social well-being.
Tatu City’s agreement with Fridah Ndinda, an elite athlete and runner from the local community, further solidifies its status as a premier destination for sports and fitness enthusiasts.
