Champions coronation: Winners Kimetto and Mutai get red carpet reception

AK CEO Iaack Mwangi recieves the World Marathon Record holder Dennis Kimetto upon arrival from Berlin, German on 01-10-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Newly crowned world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto and second-best Emmanuel Mutai returned home on Wednesday morning to a full red-carpet reception.

Kimetto, who blasted into history on Sunday setting world marathon record of 2:02.57 at the Berlin Marathon, and second finisher Mutai landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 6:30am to a rapturous welcome, which was completely different from the usual fanfare that greets world beaters’ homecoming.

Marathon Record holder Dennis Kimetto and fellow marathoner emmanuel Mutai upon arrival from Berlin, German on 01-10-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

At hand to welcome them home were family members, Athletics Kenya officials and friends. There was a near stampede at the JKIA’s arrival lounge as the crowd burst into song and dance, rushing forward to hug him.

The two stars were served with a gourd of Mursik (sour milk) and then garlanded with a Sinendet, the Kalenjin traditional ornamental plant used to honour heroes.

World Marathon Record holder Dennis Kimetto drinks mursik from his mother ALice kimetto and his wife Caroline upon arrival from Berlin, German on 01-10-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Kimetto momentarily put behind the numerous challenges, which saw him drop out of school in Standard Six at Kamwosor Primary School in Keiyo South, to embrace his moment of stardom. He was living his dream as his party, which had his wife Caroline, son Albert Kibet as well mum Alice and dad James Kimetto, were ushered into two Chrysler limousines, a sedan and a long-stretch limousine. His coronation was complete for all to see as the  limousine registration read - KIMETTO 2:02:57.

World Marathon Record holder Dennis Kimetto being recieved by wife Caroline and their son Ampher upon arrival from Berlin, German on 01-10-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

They drove to a hotel in Nairobi West then headed to Riadha House before leading the convoy, which had two Athletics Kenya vehicles, to a historic ride in the streets of Nairobi.

A big party will follow in Eldoret today before Kimetto returns to his Kamwosor home in Keiyo South. Cebetrations are also high at his Kapng’etuny Athletics Club, which is the training base for the marathon trailblazers.