Pokots outrun the Karimojong
May 02, 2005
KENYAN pastoral community runners outwitted their Ugandan counterparts to win all races on card in a competition organised by Kenya international distance athlete Tekla Loroupe in Moroto on Saturday.
By Tolit Olwor-Atiya
KENYAN pastoral community runners outwitted their Ugandan counterparts to win all races on card in a competition organised by Kenya international distance athlete Tekla Loroupe in Moroto on Saturday.
Julius Arite won the men's 10km race followed by Mark Lokitare and Samuel Lokori in second and third positions.
The women's 5km was won by other Kenyans - Hellen Koti (18:16), Lydia Cherop (18:31) second and Dinah Domo (18:56), third.
Loroupe, a Kenyan Pokot, initiated 'The Sports for Peace’ programme as her contribution to peace among the Pokot and Karimojong through the Tekla Loroupe Peace Foundation (TLPF). The two neighbouring tribes have been prone to cattle rustling for centuries.
Not even the turn up of Moroto residents in their hundreds, cheering up their own could deter the Kenyans superiority, leaving the Karimojong trailing.
The winners carried home assorted prizes that included cash and other goodies.
The top winners went home sh300,000 richer.
The peace race co-sponsored by the European Union/ Karamoja Programme was attended by over 300 participants from both Kenya and Uganda.
Karamoja programme manager, Stefan Kluger said there was need for consolidated efforts to bring peace in the troubled Karamoja region as well as among the Pokot in Kenya.
“We need to come together as peace emissaries to educate our pastoral brothers and sisters that there can only be development and better life in this region if we stopped fighting and embraced peace,†Kluger said.
He was grateful with TLPF for the efforts towards realising peace and sharing with the young people the ability of sports to bring wealth and fame.
Loroupe, a former world marathon winner, graced the event.
Loroupe described the significance of the peace marathon as a window for dialogue among the warring pastoral communities.
She pleaded with her kinsman and especially the youth to desist from engaging in raids and look at other opportunities for a livelihood.
“It is possible to attain international accolades and wealth through sports like I and my colleagues have achieved.â€
Loroupe was accompanied by three other Kenyan female international athletes, world half mile marathon title holder and training partner Susan Chepkimei, Mary Ptikanya and Joyce Chepchomba.
KENYAN pastoral community runners outwitted their Ugandan counterparts to win all races on card in a competition organised by Kenya international distance athlete Tekla Loroupe in Moroto on Saturday.
Julius Arite won the men's 10km race followed by Mark Lokitare and Samuel Lokori in second and third positions.
The women's 5km was won by other Kenyans - Hellen Koti (18:16), Lydia Cherop (18:31) second and Dinah Domo (18:56), third.
Loroupe, a Kenyan Pokot, initiated 'The Sports for Peace’ programme as her contribution to peace among the Pokot and Karimojong through the Tekla Loroupe Peace Foundation (TLPF). The two neighbouring tribes have been prone to cattle rustling for centuries.
Not even the turn up of Moroto residents in their hundreds, cheering up their own could deter the Kenyans superiority, leaving the Karimojong trailing.
The winners carried home assorted prizes that included cash and other goodies.
The top winners went home sh300,000 richer.
The peace race co-sponsored by the European Union/ Karamoja Programme was attended by over 300 participants from both Kenya and Uganda.
Karamoja programme manager, Stefan Kluger said there was need for consolidated efforts to bring peace in the troubled Karamoja region as well as among the Pokot in Kenya.
“We need to come together as peace emissaries to educate our pastoral brothers and sisters that there can only be development and better life in this region if we stopped fighting and embraced peace,†Kluger said.
He was grateful with TLPF for the efforts towards realising peace and sharing with the young people the ability of sports to bring wealth and fame.
Loroupe, a former world marathon winner, graced the event.
Loroupe described the significance of the peace marathon as a window for dialogue among the warring pastoral communities.
She pleaded with her kinsman and especially the youth to desist from engaging in raids and look at other opportunities for a livelihood.
“It is possible to attain international accolades and wealth through sports like I and my colleagues have achieved.â€
Loroupe was accompanied by three other Kenyan female international athletes, world half mile marathon title holder and training partner Susan Chepkimei, Mary Ptikanya and Joyce Chepchomba.