Excitement is in the air in the heart of Kenya’s running capital as the 6th edition of the Eldoret City Marathon is set to take place tomorrow, Sunday, April 27. Organizers have confirmed that all preparations are complete for the iconic race, which will attract more than 1,500 local and international athletes, and showcase Eldoret’s long-standing legacy as the home of champions.
The race will be flagged off at 6:00 AM at Zion Mall by Principal Secretary for Sports, Mr. Elijah Mwangi, and will follow a route through the vibrant streets of Eldoret — a city that has produced some of the world’s most decorated distance runners.
According to Race Director and celebrated former marathon champion Moses Tanui, this year’s edition marks a significant step forward in establishing Eldoret as a global athletics hub.
“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. We are grateful to President William Ruto and to PS Elijah Mwangi for their strong support of sports development.”
Tanui also announced an exciting new regional partnership aimed at strengthening athletics in East Africa. “We recently signed an MoU with the Great Ethiopian Run, represented by their Director. Our vision is to build East Africa as one united base for athletics. If we can bring together Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, we will become an unbeatable force in global distance running,” he said.
Generous Prize Money and Anti-Doping Commitment
The marathon will offer some of the highest prize money on the continent. The winners of both the men’s and women’s elite categories will walk away with KSh 3.5 million each. Second-place finishers will earn KSh 1.5 million, while third-place runners will receive KSh 1 million.
In a heartfelt message, Tanui emphasized the importance of clean sport. “We ran without doping. We feel disadvantaged when others take shortcuts. As we support the PS and government in this fight, we must ensure our athletes understand that it is hard work, not performance-enhancing drugs, that brings glory. Retired athletes should also be put on programs that help guide the next generation.”
Gladys Boss Shollei: “Eldoret Is Ready”
Uasin Gishu Woman Representative and marathon patron, Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, called on the public to turn up in large numbers to support the runners.
“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 urged.
Shollei acknowledged the challenges that Kenyan athletes face, especially around identifying, nurturing, and monetizing talent. “The PS is here to assure our athletes that the Ministry of Sports is committed to supporting them. As a legislator, I will do everything I can to lobby for strong legal protections for our sports men and women,” she said.
Government Commitment to Sports Development
PS Elijah Mwangi, representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, said the government is fully behind the Eldoret City Marathon and broader efforts to uplift sports across the country.
“This is a proud moment for Kenya. I witnessed the signing of the MoU between Eldoret City Marathon and the Great Ethiopian Run, and it’s a step toward greater regional cooperation,” said Mwangi.
He announced that standout performers at the Eldoret race will be given the opportunity to participate in Ethiopian races and gain international exposure. “Ethiopia has mastered the art of attracting large running crowds, with over 55,000 participants in their races. We want to learn from that model,” he said.
The PS also confirmed that construction at Kipchoge Keino Stadium is underway and progressing well, led by the Ministry of Defence. “This facility will serve as a training ground for the upcoming AFCON games. We are ensuring quality work is delivered on time,” he noted.
Additionally, the government is building 37 sports academies in the first phase of a larger rollout, aiming to have one in each of the 290 constituencies eventually. “These academies will offer young athletes a place to train and grow their skills. Talent exists across this country — we just need to give it room to thrive.”
Crackdown on Doping and Athlete Rewards
PS Mwangi issued a strong warning to those involved in doping, citing new directives from President Ruto.
“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,” he declared.
In a move aimed at motivating athletes, Mwangi also announced a revamped reward system. “We used to reward Olympic winners with KSh 750,000. Going forward, we will give KSh 3 million to medalists. Additionally, we have set aside KSh 55 million to compensate athletes who were never rewarded for past international achievements.”
A Festival of Athletics and Community
As the final countdown begins, Eldoret is buzzing with excitement. Hotels are fully booked, and local businesses are bracing for a boost in economic activity. For many residents, the marathon is more than a race — it is a source of pride and inspiration.
Thousands are expected to line the streets to cheer on the runners, with spectators encouraged to arrive early at the starting point for a chance to witness the flag-off ceremony and support Kenya’s athletic stars.
With clear skies forecast and security measures in place, organizers are optimistic that this year’s Eldoret City Marathon will be the biggest and best yet.
As Moses Tanui put it, “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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