Home, Oh... sweet, sweet home!

New York City Marathon winners Wilson Kipsang and Mary Keitany made their long-awaited homecoming to Iten Town, Elgeyo Marakwet County, having had a series of celebrations in Nairobi and Eldoret.

The champions were received by hundreds of residents as they drove through the town, widely regarded as the ‘Home of Champions’.

The entourage accompanying the two proceeded to Keelu Resort, owned by Kipsang, where a homecoming celebration had been organised by local athletes.

Kipsang won the men’s race in 2:10:59 while Keitany took the women’s honours in 2:25:07.

Kipsang expressed his happiness for the victory and appreciated his fans and family for their goodwill wishes.

He termed the circumstances surrounding fellow marathon runner Rita Jeptoo as ‘embarrassing’.

“The doping claims against Jeptoo are embarrassing. I urge my fellow colleagues to believe in their natural talent,” said Kipsang.

RECEPTION PARTY

Keitany’s previous best performance in New York marathon was a third place finish in 2011.

“The race was really tough because of the cold weather. I started my push at the 20-mile mark because I was familiar with the course since this was my third time in the same competition,” she said.

The reception party was however not attended by most of the senior county government officials for various reasons.

Earlier in the morning, the two champions had landed at the Eldoret International Airport to cheers and celebrations from family members, friends and fans.

Dressed in a black leather jacket, blue shirt, black trouser and black sports shoes, Kipsang was all smiles as he shook hands with scores of fans who braved the early morning cold to welcome them.

Edna Kiplagat, a two-time IAAF World Championships marathon gold medallist and men’s marathon world record holder Dennis Kimetto were among those who welcomed the two at the airport.