Marathoner awarded KSh 1 million after abandoning race to rescue rival asks Kenyans to build him a church

Kenyan athlete Simon Cheprot who sacrificed his possible victory during the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race to rescue an opponent has asked well wishers to build him a church.

Cheprot who is also a church elder at his Iten home said they have been forced to rent a building where they gather every weekend for worship.

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"I want nothing but ask anyone out there to help put up a church building. I am a church elder here and we usually rent spaces where we gather for prayers," he told NTV Sports on Wednesday, May 29.

The celebrated long distance runner said he does not regret failing to win what had taken him to Edo State of Nigeria so long as saved a collapsed Kenyan colleague, Kenneth Kipkemoi.

"When I was approaching, I saw him fall down after which I stopped to help so that we could all cross the finish line as winners. He was wobbly and his legs had become so weak. That was about 50 metres," Cheprot added.

He was men’s title winner in 2016 and was first runner up in the 2018 edition, his ambition being to become first participant to scoop two titles since its inception in 2013.

His selfless nature won him KSh 1 million from Nigeria politicians even as Kenyans hailed the courageous marathoner.

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