This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
October 8, 2019, marked a significant day in Nairobi, Kenya, as an advertising billboard displayed Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic marathon champion and world record holder, at sunset.
With the INEOS 1:59 challenge just hours away, Nandi County, Kipchoge's home county, is filled with anticipation. The county has organized a big screen at Kapsisiywo Primary school for locals to watch the event live from Vienna, Austria.
Athletics fans from Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties are expected to gather in large numbers to watch the challenge in public places. Nandi County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for youths and sports, Elly Kurgat, said the county government will facilitate the installation of the screen for the locals to catch up with their son.
"As the department of sports, we have organized for the screen to be mounted in Kipchoge's village, and we expect the residents to turn up for the very auspicious moments experiencing their son's marathon masterpiece," Mr. Kurgat said.
The county has devoted time and resources to inspire the young generation, with Kipchoge pushing the boundaries of human achievement. The CECM said the county will facilitate transportation of fans to watch the race against the two-hour mark at Kipchoge's backyard.
Residents of Kapsisywo village will hold a night vigil at St. Peters Catholic church to pray for Kipchoge's success, according to his uncle, Fredrick Songol. "Before the race starts on Saturday, we shall be having another mass and prayers an hour before we go to the public view to join other members to watch," said Mr. Songol.
