Eldoret, Kenya - In its fifth year, the Tegla Loroupe Peace Race which will take pace in Kapenguria, Kenya this Saturday (17) will, as in past years, provide a meeting point for Athletics, diplomacy and culture.

Budding athletes will come to the event with the aim of making it big in the international scene like Elias Kemboi who won the event in 2005 and has gone on to stamp his name in major marathons. Kemboi won in Rome this spring in a personal best of 2:09:36, finished fourth less than a month later in Paris (2:10:33) and recently was 14th (2:16:33) at this year’s New York marathon.

The event organized by Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation is meant to foster peace between pastoral communities in Kenya and neighbouring countries who have been involved in conflict over cattle rustling and grazing land rights.

“It has caused me a lot of pain to see my people suffer in the raids,” confirmed Loroupe as the reason for inspiring her to use sports to bring peace between neighbouring communities and her Pokot community.  Loroupe, the multiple long distance running World record holder and New York marathon winner had her dream come true in 2003 when the first Peace Run was held.

This year’s event is expected to attract about 1500 participants, 300 of them will be warriors drawn from communities involved in the conflict who will run in their own special race.

There are several race categories: 10km for elite men and women athletes, as well as the warriors' run, and after the success of last year’s venture there will also be a 2km race for children.

The event has so far produced a new men’s winner each year, with the exception of 2003 and 2004 when David Plimo won. List of past women’s winners include international Elizabeth Rumokal who won in 2004. Last year’s winners were Levi Matebo (men) and Fridah Domongole (women).

Loroupe has confirmed several current and former stars among them Paul Tergat, Catherine Ndereba, Moses Tanui, Ezekiel Kemboi, Susan Chepkemei, Benjamin Limo will be among those coming to support the event on Saturday.

The Loroupe Peace Race is the only event in Kenya at which a large number of diplomatic staff also attend, some shedding their office suits for sneakers and running a special 2km race for dignitaries. Political leaders and athletic veterans like Kipchoge Keino also join in this category.

One face that has almost become synonymous with the event is IAAF statistician Ottavio Castellini receiving firm handshakes and hugs from the many Kenyan athletes that he has come to know and corresponded with over the years.

David Macharia - Daily Nation - for the IAAF