Eldoret City Marathon: Preparations Complete as Organizers Promise New Opportunities
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the two sides, aiming to elevate the Eldoret City Marathon to the same level of success as Ethiopia’s internationally acclaimed event.
Eldoret, Kenya’s youngest city, is buzzing with excitement ahead of tomorrow’s highly anticipated Eldoret City Marathon.
By Valary Makena
Eldoret, Kenya’s youngest city, is buzzing with excitement ahead of tomorrow’s highly anticipated Eldoret City Marathon.
Organizers have confirmed that preparations are complete, with over 1,500 athletes already registered to participate. Even more runners are expected to sign up by race time.
This year marks a historic shift for the marathon, following a newly established partnership between Kenyan organizers and Ethiopian counterparts, who bring more than 24 years of marathon experience.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the two sides, aiming to elevate the Eldoret City Marathon to the same level of success as Ethiopia’s internationally acclaimed event.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Boss Shollei, has been at the forefront of supporting the marathon. Shollei has sponsored several athletes and ensured that prize money for winners is fully secured.
She emphasized that the event aligns perfectly with the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment to nurture young sporting talents, as outlined in their election manifesto.
Beyond the marathon, major infrastructural developments are taking shape. Construction is underway at Kipchoge Keino Stadium and Kapsabet Stadium, part of Kenya’s preparations to host the upcoming AFCON games.
Government officials have assured the public that the projects will be completed on time and meet international standards.
In a broader push to develop sports at the grassroots level, the government has also launched a national sports academy initiative across all 290 constituencies. The first phase targets 37 constituencies, with contractors currently being identified.
These academies will serve as training centers for young athletes across various sporting disciplines, offering them structured environments to hone their skills.
Despite the optimistic outlook, concerns about doping continue to loom. Elijah Mwangi, Secretary General of the Sports Department, urged athletes to maintain discipline, resilience, and professionalism. He warned that doping could not only destroy individual careers but also tarnish Kenya’s hard-earned reputation in global athletics.
Mwangi stressed that, under instructions from President William Ruto, the government will take firm action against anyone involved in unprofessional conduct.
Meanwhile, the city of Eldoret is making final adjustments to ensure a smooth race day. Major roads will be closed to accommodate the marathon.
Although Ethiopia currently leads in marathon registration figures, with about 55,000 runners compared to Kenya’s 15,000, a large turnout is anticipated.
The Eldoret City Marathon promises not just an exciting race but also a vital platform for nurturing Kenya’s next generation of champions.
About Author
