Marathon viewerthon thrills fans in Iten
A group of athletics fans watching the 2018 BMW Berlin Marathon on a TV set at Keellu Resort in Iten Town on September 16, 2018. Bank of Africa, Kenya Revenue Authority and the Anti-Doping Agency are some of the partners who offered relevant advice to stakeholders during the “viewerthon”. PHOTO | DENNIS LUBANGA |
What you need to know:
- The event which is now popularly known as a “Marathon Viewerthon” was organized by the Bank of Africa in partnership with LG Electronics, Kenya Revenue Authority, Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and Fly Tristar
- Wilson Kipsang’s fans walked away disappointed after he emerged third in the race despite being consoled with Kipchoge’s win
Elite and upcoming athletes joined hundreds of fans at Keellu Resort in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County on Sunday where they were treated to the spectacular viewing of the 2018 Berlin marathon on live TV.
The TV screens at the event were mounted by LG Electronics which the athletes used to follow the race keenly.
Reigning Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge broke the men marathon world record by one minute and sixteen seconds.
The event which is now popularly known as a “Marathon Viewerthon” was organized by the Bank of Africa in partnership with LG Electronics, Kenya Revenue Authority, Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and Fly Tristar, a local airline operating from Wilson Airport.
Wilson Kipsang’s fans walked away disappointed after he emerged third in the race despite being consoled with Kipchoge’s win.
They said that they were delighted that Kenya had retained the title and congratulated Kipchoge and Gladys Cherono for bringing home the title.
Speaking after the event, Patrick Maiyo told Nation Sport that he had travelled to Iten to witness Kipsang win the race.
"Apart from Kipsang being my friend he is also my neighbour and I travelled all the way to come and watch this race here. I know and believe that he will do better in his next race," said Maiyo.
Mercy Chebet asked the government to honour the athletes as they had made the country proud.
“All I can say is that the government should consider honouring these athletes because they have lifted our national flag on the international scene. Am so proud of them,” said Chebet.
Speaking separately, Bank of Africa Head of Marketing Jimmy Wanjohi said that the financial institution will continue supporting the local talents through empowering sportsmen.
“This is our fifth year hosting this event and we are here to educate our athletes on our account that befits them
Athletes have always done this country proud and we will continue working together as one way of motivating them,” said Mr Wanjohi.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) North Rift Region Deputy Commissioner Kevin Safari educated both the elite and upcoming athletes on challenges they face as far as double taxation is concerned.
“Apart from making the athletes understand what we are doing to contain double taxation, we are also here to raise awareness among members of the public on the need to remit taxes which applies to everyone,” said Safari.
