Eldoret City Marathon: Over 1,500 Runners, Ethiopians Join the Chase for KSh 3.5 Million Top Prize
“Today we signed an MoU with the Great Ethiopian Run. Our vision is to build East Africa into a united base for athletics”Race Director and marathon legend Moses Tanui
Athletes from across Kenya and beyond finalize their registration ahead of the 6th Eldoret City Marathon, gearing up for a thrilling race through the home of champions
Excitement is at a fever pitch in the heart of Kenya’s running capital as the sixth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon gears up for a spectacular event tomorrow, Sunday, April 27. Organizers have confirmed that all preparations are complete, with over 1,500 local and international athletes expected to take part, cementing Eldoret’s status as the undisputed home of champions.
The race will be flagged off at 6:00 AM at Zion Mall by the Principal Secretary for Sports, Mr. Elijah Mwangi, following a vibrant route through the iconic streets of Eldoret — a city synonymous with world-class distance running.
A Vision for a Global Athletics Hub
Race Director and marathon legend Moses Tanui emphasized the significance of this year’s edition, noting it as a pivotal moment in Eldoret’s global athletic ambitions.
“We are fully prepared, and everything is in place,” said Tanui. “This marathon is more than just a race — it is a celebration of who we are as a people, as a region, and as a continent.”
Tanui expressed gratitude to President William Ruto and PS Elijah Mwangi for their unwavering support for sports development, and announced a landmark regional collaboration:
“Today we signed an MoU with the Great Ethiopian Run. Our vision is to build East Africa into a united base for athletics. If Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania come together, we will become an unbeatable force in global distance running,” he remarked.
Record Prize Money and a Stand for Clean Sport
This year’s marathon will feature some of the highest prize money on the African continent. Winners of both the men’s and women’s elite races will each receive KSh 3.5 million, with KSh 1.5 million and KSh 1 million awarded to the second and third-place finishers, respectively.
Tanui also reaffirmed his strong stance against doping:
“We ran without doping. We feel disadvantaged when others take shortcuts. As we support the government in this fight, we must educate our athletes that it is hard work — not performance-enhancing drugs — that brings glory. Retired athletes should be engaged to mentor the next generation.”
Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei: “Eldoret Is Ready!”
Uasin Gishu Woman Representative and marathon patron, Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, urged the public to come out in large numbers to support the event.
“Get set for the Eldoret City Marathon tomorrow! All athletes have collected their bibs and are raring to go. Join us at Zion Mall by 6:00 AM and cheer on our heroes as they race through Eldoret’s stunning streets,” she encouraged.
Acknowledging the systemic challenges athletes face, Shollei pledged her legislative support:
“The PS is here to assure our athletes that the Ministry of Sports is committed to supporting them. As a legislator, I will continue to lobby for strong legal protections for our sports men and women.”
Government Commitment: Building the Future of Kenyan Sports
Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing sports at every level.
“This is a proud moment for Kenya. I witnessed the signing of the MoU between Eldoret City Marathon and the Great Ethiopian Run — a step toward deeper regional cooperation,” said Mwangi.
Highlighting future opportunities, Mwangi announced:
“Standout athletes from Eldoret will have the chance to compete in Ethiopian races, gaining critical international exposure. Ethiopia’s Great Run attracts over 55,000 participants; we intend to learn from that model.”
On infrastructure development, Mwangi confirmed:
“The construction of Kipchoge Keino Stadium is progressing well under the Ministry of Defence, with the facility earmarked for use during the upcoming AFCON games.”
He further disclosed the government’s ambitious rollout of 37 sports academies in the first phase, with an ultimate goal of one academy in each of Kenya’s 290 constituencies.
“Talent exists in every part of this country. We must give it room to thrive.”
A Tough Stand on Doping and Boosted Rewards
In a stern warning, Mwangi reaffirmed the government’s crackdown on doping:
“We will not allow a few bad apples to tarnish the reputation of Kenyan athletes. If you are found promoting or participating in doping, there will be no escape — we are coming for you.”
In a major boost for athletes, Mwangi announced a revamped rewards system:
“Medalists will now receive KSh 3 million, up from the previous KSh 750,000. Additionally, KSh 55 million has been set aside to compensate athletes who were never rewarded for past international achievements.”
As the final countdown ticks away, Eldoret is buzzing with energy. For many, the Eldoret City Marathon represents more than a race — it is a celebration of community pride and perseverance.
Thousands are expected to line the streets early to witness the flag-off and cheer on Kenya’s finest as they compete against elite international athletes.
With clear skies forecasted and security measures in place, organizers are confident this will be the biggest and most successful marathon edition yet.
In the words of Moses Tanui:
“This race is for every Kenyan. It is about unity, discipline, and excellence. It is about showing the world that champions live here — and they run clean.”
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