Tergat in hospital after Eldoret crash

Former world marathon record holder Paul Tergat was on Thursday involved in a road accident at Bayete area about 30 kilometres from Eldoret town along Nakuru-Eldoret highway.

Tergat was heading to Eldoret for the Moi University graduation ceremony where he was to receive a honorary doctorate degree of science.

Speaking from his bed at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital’s memorial wing, Tergat said he was trying to overtake a  lorry which had broken down at the centre when he collided with another lorry coming from the opposite direction.

“I cannot remember what happened but I just found myself in hospital,” Tergat, who looked exhausted and who was alone in the Mercedes Benz vehicle, said.

He said that even though he was in a stable condition, he felt some pain in both legs.

 “I had just spoken to one Dr Rotich, a lecturer at the Moi University and who was to accompany me to Nairobi today for Soya awards and that was my last call,” he recalled.

Moses Tanui, a two time Boston Marathon winner, said Tergat was set to be flown to Nairobi for treatment following his family request.

Tanui said x-rays and scans had been done on Tergat who indicated that he was fine.

Tergat was later flown to Nairobi for further observation at the Forces Memorial Hospital.