Preparations in top gear ahead of Eldoret City Marathon
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 16.04.24. | 17:10
The organizers have set Ksh18 million as the prize money for the top 20 athletes in both men's and women's categories
The organizers of the fifth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon are working round the clock to deliver a world-class event.
The much-anticipated marathon will be held on Sunday, 21 April on the streets of Eldoret.
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.
Race Director Moses Tanui was glad that the marathon was finally making a comeback. He noted the past challenges are now behind their back and they are focused on delivering a bigger and better edition.
“The challenges we have been facing have been resolved and we are back to run our marathon. I am pleased to announce the race is back on track,” Tanui revealed.
The two-time Boston Marathon champion called on all competing athletes to register before April 18 to give the organizers ample time to plan an efficient start list. He further urged them to pick their bib numbers in person on the eve of the race.
“The registration deadline is April 18. I believe this will give us time to organize and plan a start list. The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) should have the list before the race. I insist they must come in person because we are operating under the World Athletics," he averred.
This year, the marathon received the backing of Uasin Gishu County women's representative Gladys Boss Shollei who will also serve as the patron.
Shollei was glad that the marathon was finally making a comeback. She called on the ministry's and other stakeholders' support to make it a resounding success.
“We have had several meetings with PS for Sports to see how we can sustain the race and avoid the past challenges. Going forward, we want this race to grow and as a resident of Uasin Gishu, I want this race to outlive us all,” Shollei said.
She urged the athletes to register in large numbers and appealed to well-wishers to adopt an athlete in support of the race.
Athletics Kenya (AK) Uasin Gishu County chairman Joseph Boit said they were leaving no stone unturned in making the race a resounding success. He urged the athletes to run clean and uphold the dignity of the race.
At the same time, the county government of Uasin Gishu announced that it would sponsor 1,000 athletes to compete in the country’s highest-paying race.
The organizers have set Ksh18 million as the prize money for the top 20 athletes in both men's and women's categories.
