Safaricom has offered to give its customers free YouTube bundles to stream live Eliud Kipchoge’s INEOS challenge that is slated to take place on October 12.
In a statement, Safaricom said all its customers starting at 8 am to 4 pm will be able to stream live the Vienna race on phones without any charges.
“The bundle will be accessed by dialing *159# upon which a customer will receive a free YouTube bundle,” a statement from Safaricom reads.
The giant telco in Kenya has already made changes to its mobile money utility, M-Pesa logo by replacing it with Eliud 1:59 to honour Mr. Kipchoge’s long awaited challenge.
Safaricom’s CEO Michael Joseph said customers will also be able to send messages for free on Saturday to express their solidarity and support for Kipchoge.
“The last few years have seen Kipchoge emerge not only as one of the greatest athletes ever, but also as one of the most accomplished people ever. It is a privilege to partner with him on this historic occasion and as an icon, it is only befitting to offer our M-PESA brand in his recognition,” the CEO added.
The World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge was flown out of the country on October 7 in a chartered plane to Austria, and will attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier to beat his record set at last year’s Berlin Marathon.
“Decision has been made for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge to take place this Saturday 12th October in Vienna, “read part of INEOS statement.
Now that the date is set, it is down to the INEOS 1:59 meteorology and performance experts to provide weather data to Kipchoge’s coaching team and collectively make the decision as to what time- that will be set on Friday for the race, to give Kipchoge the best possible chance of success.
“Conditions on the course are looking optimal for race day Final start time will be confirmed on the afternoon of Friday 11th October,” added the statement.
