NAIROBI, Kenya, September 19 – Newly elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Paul Tergat has admonished the public rows playing out at Athletics Kenya (AK) urging federation bosses to wash their dirty linen in private.
The federation has been in turmoil for the past month over a contentious Special General Meeting (SGM) to discuss amendments to the new AK constitution and administrative structure in a row that has paralysed functions of the most successful federation in the country.
“It’s my wish that what we are seeing in the media every now and then concerning AK be ironed out in-house as soon as possible so that we concentrate on the business of developing sports in the country,” the former world marathon record holder who was elected to the top IOC decision making organ a fortnight ago stated.
He was speaking on Thursday during the launch of the 2013 Baringo Half Marathon slotted for November 3rd.
Being the patron of the event, Tergat announced 10 athletes who excel at the race will be selected to join various camps in the country for one year under the care of experienced coaches in the country to enhance the growth of the sport.
Former and current champions including Cherangany MP, Wesley Korir, Daniel Komen, Moses Tanui and reigning world women 3000m steeplechase titleholder Milcah Chemos will grace the half marathon.
Winners in the main men and women races will pocket Sh100,000 ($1,144.82) with runner-ups and third finishers taking home Sh50,000 ($572.41) and Sh30,000 ($343.45) each.
Hosea Nailel from West Pokot clocked 62:32.5 to top the men’s 21km race while Africa Cross Championships runner, Philomena Cheyech took top honours in the corresponding women’s event with the timer reading 71:15.3 at last year’s running of Baringo Half.
