Legendary runner Henry Rono's burial date and venue set

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ATHLETICS Legendary runner Henry Rono's burial date and venue set

Abigael Wafula 11:32 - 18.02.2024

The burial dates and venue of legendary distance runner Henry Rono have been set as preparations for his send-off continue.

Legendary runner Henry Rono is set to be buried on February 28 at his Kirobon farm, in Kuresoi North, Molo, Nakuru County.

As per Nation Sport, the family spokesperson, Wilfred Bungei disclosed that the burial arrangements have taken shape after the family confirmed the burial place in one of his farms in Nakuru County.

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“The committees sitting in Nairobi and upcountry will continue with discussions leading to the burial of our legend. It’s everyone’s desire that he is accorded a send-off befitting of his status,” Bungei said.

Meanwhile, Rono died on Thursday morning while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital where he had been admitted for 10 days.

As part of his world record spree, Rono made history in the 3000m, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, and 10,000m with his records in the 3000m and 3000m steeplechase stood for more than a decade.

Born on February 12, 1952, Rono in Kiptaragon with a bicycle accident leaving him unable to walk until he was six. Two-time Olympic champion Kip Keino inspired Rono to take up running.

Rono joined the Kenyan Army in 1973 and was later selected for the 1976 Olympic Games in the 3000m steeplechase and 5000m but did not make it to Montreal because of the Kenyan boycott.

Based in the USA and studying at Washington State University, Rono won the first of three NCAA cross country titles that year. He also became the NCAA indoor 3000m champion in 1977 and won NCAA 3000m steeplechase titles in 1978 and 1979.

Rono won 31 outdoor races in 1978, including at the All-Africa Games in Algiers, where he claimed a 3000m steeplechase and 10,000m double, and at the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, where he won the 3000m steeplechase and the 5000m.

Rono graduated from Washington State University with a degree in general studies in 1981, the year he set the fifth world record of his career, improving his own 5000m mark to 13:06.20 in Knarvik in Norway. Following his retirement from competitive athletics, Rono qualified as a teacher and became a coach.

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