Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenyan athletes who competed in the Eldoret City Marathon held in June 6, 2021, are yet to be paid after the race organizers conducted doping tests on all the participants.
Two-time Boston Marathon champion and race director, Moses Tanui, affirmed that the athletes would still receive their rightful dues after the results are analysed to conclusion.
“We were cautious to avoid rewarding drug cheats. That is why we followed the right procedure. Athletes can now be paid their hard-earned money,” he stated.
He affirmed that 12 of the athletes were tested at a cost of Ksh500,000 whereby the organizers settled the bill while the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) carried out the testing process.
Mercy Kipchumba and Victor Kipchirchir had won the women’s and men’s titles respectively at the event.
Tanui affirmed that they would be paid Ksh3.5 million each as the prize money. Further, the top 20 athletes would also be feted.
During the race, Kipchumba emerged victorious, clocking in at 2 hours, 28 minutes and 7 seconds, defeating her training partner Judith Korir in the process.
On the other hand, Kipchirchir clocked in at 2 hours 8 minutes and 54 seconds, setting a new course record. The famed athlete is synonymous with the 2016 Valencia Marathon victory.
Athletics Kenya has been strict in its policies regarding the anti-doping regulations that have seen many athletes fall victim.
Ferdinand Omanyala, dubbed the fastest man in Africa, earlier in his career, was also flagged for testing positive for doping. The incident cost him a chance to represent the country at international events as he was banned for 14 months.
AK’s Senior Vice President, Paul Mutwii, however, intervened in Omanyala’s situation and noted that athletes coming from doping bans would still be allowed to participate in local events.
