Deputy president, William Ruto and Kirinyaga governor, Ann Waiguru, among other governors on Saturday joined other athletics in the Eldoret 42 km marathon race.

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Other governors who also participated in the race were Uasin governor, Jackson Mandago and his Turkana county counterpart, Josphat Nanok.

The leaders managed only 5 km before dropping out. 

The 42 km marathon was flagged off by  DP, William Ruto in Eldoret under the theme Climate Action. 

The marathon was basically to sensitive the locals and the country at large on the need to plant trees during this rainy season to increase forest cover.

Uasin Gishu governor thanked the DP and the various governors who graced the event. He also promised to engage them so as to improve on subsequent events.

"On the behalf of Uasin Gishu locals, I want to thank my fellow governors who joined us and the DP who launched this event. Am told he ran 5 km. We have talked with these governors and we are going to improve on the next events," said Mr. Mandago.

The governor promised to allocate funds from the county government's next year budget in order to meet the international levels in future. 

He also promised to increase the prize money to around 10 million in the next events to be held in the county.

"This event will be done annually and we want to make sure it reaches the standards of London and Boston marathons. I have also agreed with my government to allocate funds in the next budget and we hope to get more sponsors to increase prize money," he added.

The winner of the 42 km marathon for both men an women took home 3 million while the second runners-up pocketed 1.5 million shillings.