Sports

Kenyan athletes keen to continue dominance at Sunday’s BMW race

Friday, September 27th, 2019 00:00 | By

By Webster Nyandika

All is set for the 2019 BMW Berlin Marathon on Sunday with Kenyan elite athletes optimistic of holding on to the title set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2018.

Attention will be on Felix Kandie and Jonathan Korir as they seek to retain the Kenyan title in the absence of last year’s winner Kipchoge who finished in 2:01:39.

The pressure is on the elite team who come face to face against Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele whose best time over the distance stands at an impressive 2:03:03.

On paper, Kandie is the favourite in the race as he boasts the best time among the Kenyans at 2:06:03. Other Kenyans who will be taking part in the men’s race include Kennedy Naibei, Willy Ngelel, Abel Kipchumba and Bethwel Yegon.

In the ladies elite team, Gladys Cherono, who is the title and course record holder, will be on the spot to defend her title. She finished the 2018 race in under 2 hrs and 19 minutes, however, this time she will be facing an acid test in the challenge of Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba. Sally Chepyego is also a key contender in the race.

Locally, BOA will host the 2019 “BMW Berlin Viewerthon” series with the Marathon being aired live at Toby’s Tavern Hotel in Eldoret.

The “BOA Marathon Viewing” creates a forum that brings together athletes and marathon fans for a day of engagement and solidarity as we cheer the Kenyan team to victory.

The Viewerthon session which is also supported by Dstv through it’s SuperSport channel, is a platform used to educate athletes on anti-doping matters and tax legislation affecting their day to day activities. The race will be aired live from 9.50am on Sunday.

“Bank of Africa Kenya believes that Kenyan Athletes are an integral part of the country’s heritage. In line with the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Pillar of Sports, Arts and Culture, we are committed to growing and enhancing their craft as well as their lives,” said Bank of Africa’s Head of Marketing, Jimmi Wanjohi. 

BOA offers a distinctive package for sportsmen and women through its ‘Mwanariadha Account whose offering equips athletes with an avenue to achieve their financial goals.

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