Athletes Conference kicks off in Eldoret

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) presided over a seminar themed ‘Road Running Integrity Programme’ as the four-day Athletics Kenya Annual Athletes’ Conference kicked off on Wednesday in Eldoret.

Day One of the event dubbed ‘I choose Integrity’ focused on road running with AIU officials engaging with athletes on doping matters.

The AIU Head of Education and Communication Adityer Kumar said they chose Kenya for the inaugural programme owing to the country’s prowess in road races.

“Kenya happens to be the biggest hub of distance running with about 45 per cent of road runner hailing from Kenya and that is why we have to protect it first. After here we will also be heading to Ethiopia,” said Kumar.

World marathon record holders Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei and a host of other elite athletes graced the event and Kumar could not hide his delight on the turnout.

“It has been much a much better session than what we expected. We have had a very interactive session with the athletes and I think we have established a good rapport and looking forward to a walking a great journey together,” he added.

World 800m record holder David Rudisha who was also in attendance hailed AK for coming up with the seminar even as Kenya intensify the war on doping.

“We are privileged to have a team from AIU as you know Kenya is still in category A of the World Athletics watch list. This is alarming but I am happy that AIU alongside Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya and the government are working round the clock to overcome this menace,” said Rudisha.

Athletes were also engaged in other topics including media relations where they interacted with scribes covering athletics as well as ethics and team building.