Iten End Gender Based Violence Road Race Takes Place
The County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet through the department of Sports and Gender held its first edition of the Iten End GBV road race.
According to governor Alex Tolgos the race aims at accelerating the commitments in ending harmful practices amongst athletes within Elgeyo Marakwet County.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) together with Thriving Families (TF) have been the main sponsors to this program.
This initiative comes as a way of observing the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based violence campaign that is celebrated internationally every year and seeks to eliminate violence against women.
Lodwika Jepng’etich was the fastest runner in women’s 10km race after clocking 35:02.6 whereas Wilfred Kimitei won the men’s race with a time of 30.07.01.
In the wake of the Late athlete Agnes Tirop death, there has been an emphasis on the need to address gender-based violence, which has been on the increase lately. Today’s event drew elite runners for the 10km and 5km run from the boundary to Iten field
The Marathon comprised elite runners, Veterans and masters that consists of athletes aged 45 years and above.
Prior to today’s event, the sponsors together with Equity bank have had a series of engagement with over 400 athletes across the county. The workshops trained the athletes on financial management, mental health and talent development among other topical issues within the Gender Based Violence disposal.
Speaking during the function, Governor Alex Tolgos thanked the responsible teams for according the athletes an opportunity to air their views on Gender Based Violence and coming up with a road race to make them participate wholly.
“We have worked with many organizations, UNFPA included, in efforts to weed out this practice in Elgeyo Marakwet and I must appreciate the strides we have made so far” he added.
Chief Administrative Secretary for the State Department for Gender Linah Jebii Kilimo said the National Government is working towards strengthening collaboration with non-state actors including girl-led, women’s rights organizations, male champions, and private sector through coordination structures such as the gender sector working groups at the national and county level.
The County Government is committed in collaborating with other partners for more programs and trainings to support athletes who are victims of gender based violence.
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