Eldoret City Marathon secures new sponsor

As the countdown to October 1 begins, organisers of the annual Eldoret City marathon have announced a new sponsor for the annual event held in Eldoret.

The marathon which happened last year on April 10 was rescheduled this year due to technical issues that caused delay in payment of cash awards for the 2022 Eldoret City Marathon winners. This year’s edition was to be held on June 25 but was postponed again to October 1.

According to race director Moses Tanui, the marathon has partnered with the Gulf Royal Society ahead of this year’s edition. The former world 10,000m silver medallist noted that the new sponsors would breathe life into the race that is the best in the country. This will be the race’s fourth edition.

He also noted that the new sponsorship would enable the marathon to thrive as one of the best in Africa.

“We are happy to partner with Gulf which is renowned for their commitment to community development and nurturing talents,” said Tanui.

The former world 10,000m silver medallist also said that what makes this year’s edition even more exciting is that all participants would receive medals upon completion of the marathon, with the first 50 to cross the finish line set to receive a blanket each.

“Apart from the cash prize, there will be other prizes to be won by the athletes,” added Tanui.

Tanui also revealed that the Gulf company under the esteemed leadership of His Highness Sheikh Majid Al Qassimi, a member of the ruling family of Sharjah, is also planning to build a manufacturing facility to contribute to job creation and technology exchange.

Registration for the marathon is ongoing with a fee of Kenya shillings 1500 per person.

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“We thank our sponsors and partners who have been with us since the inception of the marathon,” said Tanui.

He concluded by saying that the marathon was up to date with Athletics Kenya’s requirements, and they will be updating all stakeholders on the preparation of the same.

In the 2022 edition held on April 10, Victor Kipchirchir defended his title in 2:13:10 ahead of Michael Mutai who clocked 2:13:23 while Josephat Bett sealed the podium in 2:13:58.

In the women’s category, Emily Chebet won in 2:29:57 ahead of Shyline Jepkorir who timed 2:30:13 while Lilian Jelagat was third in 2:30:23.