It was a weekend to remember for many who care about what happens in the athletics world.
First, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge entered into history books as the first human to run a 42-kilometre race under two hours.
He clocked 1:59:40. Even though the milestone can’t be recognized as an official world record by the athletics governing body IAAF, what he achieved caught the attention of the world and it would probably take some time before another human reaches the milestone.
A day after Kipchoge’s feat, another Kenyan Brigid Kosgei shattered a 16-year-old women’s marathon record, previously held by Paula Radcliffe.
Kosgey clocked 2:14:04 during the Bank of America Chicago Marathon shedding off one-and-half minutes from Radcliffe’s 2:15:25 record set on April 14, 2003, in London Marathon.
All these history-making moments were closely followed by hundreds of fans in Eldoret, the city of champions, at the now famous ‘Marathon Viewerthon Party'.
The viewerthon party is always held at Toby’s Taven whenever there is an international marathon race.
It began a few months ago and is fast gaining popularity among the locals who can easily relate to many of the athletes who compete in the marathons.
Apart from giving athletics fans a chance to follow the marathon on the big screens, the viewerthon session also targets upcoming and elite athletes who are taken through various financial management training, awareness on anti-doping matters, and tax legislation affecting the athletes.
“We strive to ensure that athletes’ financial needs are taken care of so that they can concentrate on building their careers,” Bank of Africa Public Relations Officer Caren Maina said.
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