Eldoret City race stars yearn for more

Victor Kipchirchir (second right) before winning Eldoret City Marathon. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Top finishers of the 2024 Eldoret City Marathon on Tuesday unveiled their ambitions after they were awarded in a ceremony in Eldoret.

Organisers said next year's race will be staged on Sunday April 27. Victor Kipchirchir, who clinched his third Eldoret City Marathon title in the fifth edition run on April 21, said he would test his form in a race in China in September.

“I have been battling an injury recently, but I am glad that I am now preparing to run a marathon in China. It will be a slow marathon and that is when I will gauge my recovery,” Kipchirchir, who got the Sh3.5 million prize money.

Emily Jepkemoi, who won the women’s 42.195km contest, said she is getting ready for the 2024 Frankfurt Marathon set for October 27.

Jepkemoi said competition at the Eldoret City Marathon was tough and prepared her well as she sets sights on shining in Frankfurt.

Race Director, two-time Boston Marathon champion Moses Tanui said the race will continue to offer budding athletes opportunities to be spotted by sports management.

Tanui said no athlete was found to have violated anti-doping rules after all the tests carried out by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya turned negative.

“It is impressive that we are running a clean race. We thank sponsors and athletes for trusting the race,” Tanui said during the award ceremony graced by top Athletics Kenya (AK) officials.

Tanui went on to say: “We need to support our local races so that we earn the respect of the global athletics community.”

Race promoter Galys Boss said the marathon was back for posterity.

"It would have been a shame if the marathon collapsed under my watch. Interventions to have the race back was for the good of the athletes," the National Assembly Deputy Speaker said.

AK youth director Barnaba Korir said AK will continue working with the race organizers with an aim of delivering a world class marathon.

“It is our wish that Eldoret City Marathon becomes one of the biggest races because we need a global event. We will always support,” said Korir.

AK senior Vice President Paul Mutwii said: “Eldoret City Marathon is now the highest paying marathon in the country. I urge elite athletes and sponsors to promote it.”