All set for third edition of Iten International Marathon

The high-altitude town of Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet County is ready to host the third edition of the Iten International Marathon on Sunday, 24 November.

The event, renowned for blending athletic excellence with environmental awareness, has attracted both elite and upcoming runners eager to test their mettle on the challenging yet iconic course.

The event will feature a 42km marathon and a 10km race.

This year’s event is themed “Running for Climate Resilience”. It will include a tree-planting exercise as part of its environmental focus.

According to Elgeyo Marakwet County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of sports Purity Koima, the marathon not only conserves the environment but also changes the lives of athletes in the region.

It also celebrates the Home of Champions’ legacy as a global hub for distance running.

“We are happy to have allowed athletes to compete. We hope that the prizes change the lives of the 80 athletes. During the previous editions, athletes bought land and built houses,” she said.

The theme of “Running for Climate Resilience” will once again feature prominently, with participants engaging in a tree-planting exercise as part of the event's commitment to environmental conservation.

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For Simon Kimtai Kwarat, this year’s marathon is a chance for redemption. Kwarat did not complete the marathon last edition. He has picked his lessons and will be looking to register good results.

“I am well prepared for this year’s race and I am praying for good results. It is my second attempt after I lost momentum at 38km in last year's race and ended up not securing a place in the top 20,” he offered.

John Lomoni, another participant, is excited to compete on familiar ground, having trained in Iten since January.

“Some sections are hilly, but I am well prepared to conquer it. I will be using the Iten 10km race as part of preparations for international races,” he shared.

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Lomoni added that his experience at the Lukenya Half Marathon earlier this year has boosted his confidence for this event.

Iten has been a preferred training base for world-class athletes since the 1970s.

With its high-altitude location, mild weather, and modest roads, it has nurtured legends like; Ibrahim Hussein, Peter Rono, Wilson Boit Kipketer, Matthew Birir, and David Rudisha.

Four years ago, Iten received the World Athletics Heritage Plaque for its contribution to athletics.

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Observers believe that even renowned training sites like St. Moritz in Switzerland and Bekoji in Ethiopia are yet to rival Iten's rich history and impact.

Luke Kiprop and Naomi Chepkorir took the honors in the 2023 edition of the marathon. Kiprop won the men’s race in 2:13:19 followed by Charles Kimeli (2:14:26) as Edwin Yator completed the podium in 2:14:45.

Chepkorir won the women's race in 2:32:36 ahead of Linah Kaino (2:34:27) and Caroline Kimosop at 2:36:36.