Eldoret City Marathon Draws Elite Athletes as Registration Surpasses 1,200 Ahead of Race Day
Elite athletes and rising stars prepare for the Eldoret City Marathon as Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim confirms strong support for the event ahead of race day. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Organisers of the Eldoret City Marathon have confirmed advanced preparations for this year’s edition, with more than 1,200 athletes already registered and numbers expected to rise ahead of the deadline.
Speaking during an official briefing, race officials said the event has attracted a strong field of elite competitors, positioning it as one of the most competitive marathon races in the region.
They noted that Kenya continues to dominate global athletics, with many world champions, Olympic medalists, and top-tier runners based in and around Eldoret.
Officials added that the marathon goes beyond competition, serving as a platform to promote tourism, support local businesses, and showcase the region on the international stage.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim underscored the significance of the event, noting its broader economic and social impact.
“The Eldoret City Marathon continues to position our county as a global hub for athletics while creating opportunities for our people through tourism and business growth. We are committed to supporting this event as it nurtures talent and boosts our local economy,” he said.
Winners of the 42-kilometre race will each receive Ksh.3.5 million, with prize money extended to the top 20 finishers to encourage broader participation.
Organisers have also introduced additional categories, including a Governor’s One Mile race and a 10-kilometre fun run, aimed at increasing community engagement and nurturing emerging talent.
At the same time, athletes have been cautioned to adhere strictly to anti-doping regulations.
“Any athlete who fails a doping test will be disqualified and will not receive prize money, regardless of their position,” officials warned.
Registration remains open both online and at designated centres, with participants encouraged to sign up early to facilitate verification and race number allocation.
With growing participation and increasing global attention, organisers expressed confidence that the marathon is on course to become one of the world’s premier road races.
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