Eldoret City Marathon returns with a huge purse

The fifth edition of Eldoret City Marathon will be held on Sunday 21 April in Uasin Gishu County.

The edition which was set for September last year was cancelled indefinitely 48 hours to race day after organizers cited delayed arrival of running merchandise and lack of prize money.

Speaking during the launch, race director Moses Tanui, noted that last year they were down, but not out. 2023 was a tough one for Tanui. Not only was the marathocancelled, but he also lost his son Job Kiptoo Tanui who passed on in Canada on October 25.

He urged athletes to put the previous struggles behind and register for the marathon.

"I'm thrilled by the relaunch of the noble marathon. Early on we had issues, but that didn't mean we had lost all. I would like to ask all the athletes and race enthusiasts to register for the race. We also have plans of fundraising for those who will not be able to register for the race. This race goes a long way in mentoring young upcoming athletes and the registration process will be rolled out soon,” Tanui said.

The two-time Boston Marathon champion also used the opportunity to call on athletes to compete clean and held in fighting the doping menace.

ATHLETICS WATCH: Kenyans shine in different races over the weekend

"The doping menace has been ailing the sports fraternity. But we want to encourage our athletes to gear up and capitalize on doing exercise. It's not worth to use drugs on your healthy body. We'll however, strictly follow the World Athletics standards," he urged.

The event was also graced by National Assembly deputy speaker Gladys Boss Sholei who pledged the devolved unit’s support in making the race a resounding success.

"I pledged that indeed I must be present here. We're known to be hailing from the city of champions and would have been a disappointment not to have this Marathon. A win from this race will open doors for Major marathons in the world. The race also gives us an upper hand in attracting fund that will boost the welfare of our athletes," Sholei offered.

The organizers have set Ksh 18Million as the prize money for the top 20 athletes in both men's and women's category.

The winners of the race will walk away with Ksh 3.5 million each while the athletes who finish second will pocket Ksh 1.5 million each.

The athletes who complete the podium, both male and female, will walk away with Ksh 1 million each. The fourth-place finishers in the race will also walk to the bank smiling after being assured Ksh 700,000.

Marathoners who finish fifth, sixth, and seventh will walk away with Ksh 550,000, Ksh 450,000, and Ksh 350,000 respectively while those who finish eighth will pocket Ksh 250,000.

Those who finish ninth, 10th, and 11th will bag Ksh 150,000, Ksh 100,000, and Ksh 90,000 respectively while those who finish 12th, 13th, and 14th will walk away with Ksh 80,000, Ksh 70,000, and Ksh 60,000.