Top winners of the 2022 Eldoret City marathon presented with Ksh18M.
2022 Eldoret city marathon top athletes awarded Ksh18M,At the Uasin Gishu County Headquarters/Photo Robert Mutasi
By Robert Mutasi &Peninah Akinyi
It was reprieve for over 20 athletes who grabbed top honours in the Eldoret City marathon 2022 edition after the county government of Uasin Gishu presented sh 18 million in cheque for the winners.
The long wait eventually paid off when Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii accompanied by Eldoret city marathon organizers awarded the winners the prize money, almost one year after the race.
“This ceremony should have happened a long time ago but we are happy that it has eventually happened. We apologize for the delay to our athletes and promise that this issue will be handled better next time,” said Bii.
According to the governor, the country regards athletes in high respect for the honours they have brought to Kenya when taking part in international events. Bii says sports continue to be a significant employer for young men and women who have talents.
“Marathon is the highest paying platform in athletics where youth having this talent should consider taking part in competitions like the now lucrative Eldoret city marathon,” added the governor.
The governor has further commended the climate action program which has strengthened the planting of trees with at least over 4 million seedlings being planted across the country over the past four editions.
There has been a push and pull between the county and the organizers of the 42 kilometer race over the payment as the current administration pointed fingers at the previous administration under governor Mandago for failing to budget for the prize money.
Victor Rotich who won the men’s category was elated as he expressed his excitement after bagging sh 3.5 million having outpaced other athletes in a time of 2:13.10. Michael Mutai and Josphat Bett finished the race in a time of 2:13.23 and 2:13.58 respectively.
“I am glad that eventually we have been paid. Our sweat and hard work has been rewarded and I want to thank the county and race organizers for fulfilling this commitment,” said Rotich.
Emily Chebet was crowned the winner in the women’s category having registered a time of 2:28.58 to carry home sh 3.5million. Shyline Jepkorir and Lilian Jelagat wrapped up the podium finish in second and third positions respectively.
Race Director Moses Tanui said the Eldoret city marathon remains one of the outstanding races on the continent since it awards up to the tenth position finishers.
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