How Daniel Simiu helped Luke Kiprop win Iten International Marathon

ATHLETICS How Daniel Simiu helped Luke Kiprop win Iten International Marathon

Abigael Wafula 06:30 - 14.11.2023

Daniel Simiu's act of kindness propelled debutant Luke Kiprop to victory at the Iten International Marathon.

Reigning World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu is still in the spirit of sportsmanship since he played a huge role in the success of newly crowned Iten International Marathon champion Luke Kiprop.

Kiprop was making his debut in the full marathon on Sunday but did not have appropriate running gear and his training mate, Simiu, came through for him.

Speaking on KTN Sport, their coach William Chebii explained that Kiprop disclosed he did not have the right attire to wear ahead of the marathon. The tactician asked Simiu for some help and he did not hesitate to help a brother.

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“After a series of training sessions, Kiprop was ready to make his debut but he disclosed to me that he did not have the right gear to compete in.

I went and asked Simiu to help him and he offered Kiprop shoes, socks, and running kits. Simiu also came to cheer him on.

He came very early in the morning at the starting point and talked to Kiprop ahead of the race…it really gave him the moral to do well,” Chebii said.

Kiprop defied the odd weather to clinch the top honours in the race, clocking 2:13:19 to win the race. Charles Kimeli followed closely as he clocked 2:14:26 as Edwin Yator completed the podium in a time of 2:14:46.

Chebii added that he did not expect Kiprop to finish among the top three, let alone winning the race.

“I did not expect Kiprop to win the race…I was just hoping he would finish among the top 20 athletes.

I wanted him to get some money out of the race and apply for a passport…he has come from far. I don’t even know who his parents are but I have stayed with him and I take him as my son,” Chebii added.

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