This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
William Ruto to Cheer Eliud Kipchoge in Vienna ¶
Deputy President William Ruto will represent the Kenyan government in supporting Eliud Kipchoge's attempt to break his own world record in the INEOS 1:59 challenge, scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria on October 12, 2019.
According to Ruto, he will be heading to Australia to cheer Kipchoge break the world record, as he will not be attending the burial ceremony of ex-Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale's wife, Adelaide, on the same day.
"I would have wished to be here with you during the burial service on Saturday. However, as you know Kenya is a sports nation and because of that President Uhuru Kenyatta and I agreed that I represent the government in supporting our athlete and ensure our flag is flown high," Ruto said.
Earlier, Ruto's wife, Rachel Ruto, had hinted at attending the historic competition to pray and support Kipchoge in one-man competition. Rachel, who witnessed Kipchoge break the world record in 2017 in Italy, exuded confidence that the 34-year-old man will beat the odds to set a new record in Australia.
The INEOS 1:59 challenge will be held on a multi-lap, 9.6 kilometre-course centred on Hauptallee, the iconic long, straight and tree-lined avenue which runs through the heart of The Prater, in Vienna, Austria.
