Everything you need to know about 2023 Eldoret City Marathon

The excitement is building, and the countdown has officially begun, as the fifth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon, scheduled for October 1, draws near.

With each passing year, this prestigious marathon has grown in scale and significance. The bonanza that has electrified the athletics-rich Eldoret town is regarded as one of the highest-paying marathons in Africa. It happens annually on the streets of Eldoret.

The top 20 athletes in the fourth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon were awarded Sh3.5 million prize money each.

This year, the marathon has received a significant financial boost from the Gulf Royal Society as well as other local partners.

Speaking during the official media launch of the marathon, race director Moses Tanui who is also the two-time Boston Marathon said that he was confident that the Eldoret City 42km annual run would live up to its billing as one of the world’s oldest marathons, to be equated with the Boston Marathon in future.

The colourful media launch happened at the Eka Hotel in Eldoret, with attendants treated to entertaining dances from the Njemps community from Baringo County.

“Since we started four years ago, we have seen athletes develop and do well internationally and the perfect example is the 2022 World marathon silver medalist Judith Korir who was second in the 2022 edition. That shows that the race which is open for everybody can propel one to global space and we want to grow the race and make it bigger,” Tanui said.

Race chairman Andrew Chelogoi seconded Tanui’s vision, noting that they were aiming at building a race that would outlive them.

The event was also graced by Uasin Gishu County County Executive Member (CEC) for Sports and Youth Affairs Lucy Ngendo Njoroge who assured of the county government’s support for the marathon.

According to the CEC, the devolved unit would sponsor 20 athletes from each ward in the county, in addition to 400 more athletes from the county. With 30 electoral wards in Uasin Gishu, the county is expected to support 1,000 athletes to compete in the prestigious marathon.

“Since 2018, we have been the main sponsors of the Eldoret City Marathon, and in this regard, we are still keen on the continuity of the marathon, and the message from HE Jonathan Bii is that we are keen on nurturing talents,” she said.

The race will also be graced by two Ethiopian athletes Dejene Hailu and Meseret Harda who are last years’ winners of Bokoji 10km road race and are invited through a partnership between Eldoret City Marathon and the Great Ethiopian Run in Ethiopia.

Three athletes from Tanzania and six from the neighboring Uganda and other countries are also expected to grace the race.

Despite the stiff competition expected, 2022 champion Emily Chebet remained confident that she would defend her title. Chebet will lock horns with 2021 winner Mercy Kipchumba who had been sidelined due to a prolonged injury.

“Kenya is known to be the manufacturer of athletes and I’m happy because the Eldoret City Marathon shaped my career because it was my first time to compete in a 42km race. I will be happy to compete once again and defend my title though I know competition will be stiff,” said Chebet who trains in Kericho County.

Chebet who trains with the world bronze medalist Beatrice Chebet also noted that the race which promotes climate action is in the right direction because as a sports person, clean air is essential.

Kipchumba on her part said that she is glad that this year she will be competing once again after being out for some period but she is fit to compete once again.

“After winning, I have been out due to injury but this year I think I’m in good condition and I will be discussing with my coach if I would compete in the race but that’s my target. The Eldoret City Marathon has indeed shaped my life because I managed to buy land and built a house after I was rewarded,” said Kipchumba.

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.