Kiogora feted

Hong Kong Marathon champion, Cyprian Kiogora, who retained his title under scorching conditions by registering 2:20:12, marked another milestone when he became the first runner to be fete d by a banking institution for his exploits.

National Bank of Kenya threw a luncheon at a Nairobi hotel in his honour to mark his ascendancy in distance running that has seen him record a second (2007) and two victories at the Far East race.

"This a unique day that has seen our young brother get honoured for a job well done and it’s not easy to find people ready to dedicate a budget to sport," former world marathon record holder and Kiogora’s coach, Paul Tergat, said at on Thursday’s function.

The fete was organised under the auspices of Athletics Kenya (AK) Eastern Branch, with an aim of using Kiogora’s achievement to spur growth of the sport in a region not renowned for producing distance running excellence.

"When people from my area see Kiogora being honoured this way, they will want to be like him and winning Hong Kong has inspired many youth in South Imenti, who want to take up athletics," the man of the hour said.

"I will keep up the effort and such recognition goes a long way in motivating me since it’s not a usual gesture."

"I believe with hard work and training, I can progress and run to records like Tergat did as well as competing for my country and helping others realise their dreams," Kiogora added.

Speaking at the function, NBK Managing Director Reuben Marambii said the institution that has been supporting youth athletics at national level and races in the region would sustain the support.

"We need to motivate our sportspersons and back them with financial resources to ensure continued success. Companies should put more money in sport that can bring good business," Marambii urged.

AK Eastern Chairman Joseph Kinyua disclosed a sustained campaign to develop the sport in the province was underway and Kiogora’s exploits had aided in making the effort resonate more with potential runners in the area.

Ms Pricilla Murungi, the spouse of Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi, AK National Vice-chair Paul Mutwii, Public Relations Officer Peter Angwenyi, NBK Directors, 2009 Vienna Half Marathon champion, Lucy Karimi and Cypress Marathon winner, Julius Karinga were among dignitaries present.