Iten Celebrates Historic World Athletics Heritage Plaque Unveiling, Cementing Its Legacy as the “Home of Champions”
JOSPHAT KEBUT
It’s never too late to honor a legacy of greatness, especially one that has shaped the world of athletics.
Nearly six years after receiving the prestigious World Athletics Heritage Plaque, Iten has finally unveiled the coveted award, a symbol of its profound contribution to global sports.
On Tuesday afternoon, Governor Wisely Rotich of Elgeiyo Marakwet proudly presented the plaque, which was first received by his predecessor, Alex Tolgos, back in 2019.
The award recognizes Iten’s exceptional role in the development of athletics both in Kenya and worldwide.
“We welcome this plaque with immense pride,” Governor Rotich said during the unveiling. “Let’s respect athletes – they are the reason why we are home to champions.”
Rotich called for a stronger focus on grassroots development in athletics, urging Athletics Kenya to ensure schools have teacher-coaches who can help identify and nurture young talent.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting local athletics events, including the upcoming Iten Trail Run and the annual Iten Marathon.
Athletics Kenya President, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, reflected on the process leading to Iten’s recognition.
“In 2018, World Athletics introduced the idea of rewarding regions based on their contributions to athletics. When we received the letter from World Athletics , we selected Iten and sent a team to assess the area, and in the report we recommended Iten for recognition,” Tuwei explained.
At the 2019 World Relays in Tokyo, Iten, alongside Ethiopia’s Bekoji – the ‘Town of Runners’ – was selected as one of only two African locations out of 11 global contenders.
“Iten was ultimately announced as the winner. It was an incredible milestone, and I personally called former Governor Tolgos to congratulate him on this historic achievement,” Tuwei said.
Gen Tuwei who is also World Athletics Vice President, expressed his pride in seeing the plaque on display.
“Governor, now that the recognition is here, we’d love to see a brief report on this remarkable accomplishment to send back to World Athletics,” he said.
NOCK President Paul Tergat praised the occasion as a milestone for both Iten and Kenyan athletics.
“Iten is now known worldwide for its contribution to athletics,” Tergat said.
He called for swift action to address those he described as individuals intent on tarnishing the sport, specifically quacks and those involved in doping and other vices within athletics.
“The doping menace and the infiltration of quacks posing as coaches are serious threats to the integrity of our sport,” Tergat said.
“We must take decisive steps to remove these harmful influences.”
He also advocated for more opportunities and exposure for young athletes, stressing the importance of discovering talent early.
Recalling his own discovery in his twenties, Tergat added, “We can fix this by ensuring that coaches return to schools and help identify and nurture talent from a young age.”
The unveiling ceremony was attended by athletics legends, including Lornah Kiplagat, Janet Jepkosgei “Eldoret Express,” Alfred Kipketer, and other coaches and members of the athletics community, all gathered to celebrate Iten’s enduring legacy as a global athletics hub.
