Kipchoge tips rising athletes on how to grow running career

Reigning World marathon record holder  Eliud Kipchoge has urged budding and upcoming athletes to follow the rules and regulations in sports so as to be successful in their careers.

Recently the number of Kenyan athletes who have either been suspended or banned due to alleged doping is on the rise, where Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has placed the country in Category A among countries where doping is prevalent.

Kipchoge said that it is unfortunate that doping has persisted in Kenya and local runners are falling into the trap to use banned drugs.

He advised athletes that to be a successful they have to pass all stages of their careers accordingly.

“I urge all upcoming athletes to participate in all competitions starting from cross country, indoor games and world championships. This will help you to grow holistically and mentally,” said Kipchoge.

Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya (AK) officer in charge of the anti-doping docket Charlotte Kurgoy urged athletes to work closely with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to understand how to avoid violating anti-doping regulations.

She was speaking in Nyahururu during an anti-doping education session for Under 20 athletes from the area. The session was conducted via Zoom by AIU’s Sally Guest from her base in Britain.

World beaters

Over 60 athletes attended the session including world beaters in the category; Heristone Wanyonyi (walk), World U20 1500m silver medallist Brenda Chebet and Reynold Cheruiyot, World U20 gold 1500m.

They were shown how to check if any drugs they buy over the counter contain any prohibited substance by sending details to AIU through email or an online portal that was provided to them.

“If in doubt contact us at AK or Sally at AIU and she will respond to you with the correct information about the drugs and their suitability,” Kurgoy told the runners.