Former National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) President Paul Tergat believes it is high time Kenya steps up its ambition to host an Abbott World Marathon Major in the future.
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Tergat made the call on Thursday during the flag-off ceremony for eight Kenyan athletes at the Sanlam offices in Nairobi ahead of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon set for Sunday.
The Kenyan contingent includes Lilian Jepkorir, Vincent Kipyegon, Josephat Kipkoech, Edwin Kiptoo, Fridah Lodepa, Flomena Chepkiach, Godfrey Musanga and Japhet Kiplagat.
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The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is currently in the final phase of its candidacy to become the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major, and the first in Africa.
Cape Town was officially confirmed in the candidate race in August 2021.
Sunday’s event marks the second stage of its rigorous evaluation process toward joining the prestigious series that includes Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York and most recently Sydney.
Tergat underscored the magnitude of Cape Town’s bid and its significance for the African continent. “This is a unique opportunity for the continent to have a World Marathon Major,” Tergat said. “It’s really huge and a positive historic step for Africa.”
The legendary marathoner urged Kenya to take inspiration from Cape Town’s efforts and pursue hosting rights for a major global race.
“As a nation, we are the cradle of marathon champions. I think it’s important for us to also push to have a major marathon in the future,” Tergat emphasised.
He further called on corporate partners to rally behind local marathons and strengthen the country’s bid potential.
“We have big companies in the country that can partner with some of our existing marathons and drive a bid for World Major status,” he added.
To qualify as an Abbott World Marathon Major, an event must meet strict criteria over two consecutive years.
The marathon must showcase consistent growth in participation, operational excellence and a world-class athlete experience.
The evaluation also covers every aspect, from course logistics and safety to crowd engagement and elite field quality.
Tergat lauded the significance of flagging off the Kenyan team, describing it as a vital source of motivation and exposure for the athletes.
“The flag-off of this team is so important. These athletes may not be our top-tier stars, but the opportunity to compete in Cape Town is a huge morale booster and a chance for them to gain invaluable experience,” he said.
Among those raring to go are Lodepa, Kipkoech and Kiplagat, who expressed their determination to make an impact in Cape Town. “I have been preparing for this race over the past two months. There have been challenges along the way, but I’ve pushed through. This will be my first time running in Cape Town, and my goal is to win on Sunday,” Lodepa said.
Lodepa, who trains in Iten under coach Elkana Ruto, says she has been focusing on endurance and speed. “I have been concentrating on long runs and speed sessions,” she added.
This year, Lodepa has featured in just one race, the Lagos City marathon, where she clocked 2:47:23 to place ninth. Her training partner, Kiplagat, echoed her confidence ahead of the race. “I have had a solid three-month training block, and my focus is on winning the Cape Town Marathon,” Kiplagat said.
Meanwhile, Kipkoech said being flagged off by a legend of Tergat’s stature adds extra motivation to their campaign. “After receiving my invitation to Cape Town, I started training immediately. I am thankful to be injury-free and in great shape."
"Being flagged off by Tergat, an icon of marathon running, is a massive source of inspiration for us,” Kipkoech said.
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