Kipchoge hailed at Kabarak University

New world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge received a standing ovation in absentia at Kabarak University, Nakuru during the award ceremony for the Kabarak half-marathon winners on Monday.

Kipchoge is the brand ambassadors of the Kabarak University Half- marathon alongside Mary Keitany and Vivian Cheruiyot.

“Even as we award the winners of the Kabarak Half Marathon today, we must celebrate Kipchoge who is our brand ambassador for breaking the world record,” said university vice-chancellor Professor Henry Kiptony Kiplangat.

“We’re proud to be associated with a world beater of Kipchoge's calibre,” said Kiplangat.

The Kabaraka Half marathon was held on July 14 and is aimed at raising funds for the needy students at the university.

This year's race was attended by more than 400 athletes and raised Sh 5million to help the needy students at the university.

Lieutenant General (retired) Lazarus Sumbeiywo urged the athletes to stop using drugs to enhance their victories.

“You must run clean so that you win the prize. If you don’t run clean and use banned drugs you can win the price and not the race,” said Lt Gen Sumbeiywo.

He said it was sad athletes who have ruled the global races were living in squalor despite winning lucrative races abroad. He urged the athletes to invest wisely for their retirement.

“Athletes must invest wisely because the athletics career is not more than 10 years. If you don’t invest you will live a miserable life despite dominating international races,” he said.

He said many athletes were squandering their hard earn cash won in international races because they lack financial advice.

“Athletes must live a happy life after retirement and this will only happen if they invest every shilling they win in both local and international races,” said Lt-Gen Sumbeiywo.

Abraham Kiptum who won the 21km race was awarded Sh200,000 and walked home with a heifer.