Stage set for titanic battle as Eldoret Marathon is launched

On Sunday April 10, Eldoret town, christened ‘The City of champions’ will host another electrifying marathon – this time much better than last year, according to organisers.

The 2022 edition of Eldoret City marathon was officially launched yesterday in a colorful ceremony, setting the stage for a titanic battle, in the town where a huge number of world beaters in athletics come from.

Organisers stated that the race will remain the highest paying marathon in Africa, with winners in both the men and women’s categories taking home Sh3.5 million each.

Race director Moses Tanui told sponsors during the launch held at Uasin Gishu County offices grounds that he believes that race will be an equivalent of the Boston Marathon, one of the world’s oldest marathons.

Tanui, who won Boston Marathon two times (in 1996 and 1998), billed the race a marathon that will outlive its founders. He founded the marathon.

Standard Media Group is the race’s official media partner while Uasin Gishu County government is the biggest sponsor.

He thanked the race’s sponsors for supporting the marathon despite Covid-19 pandemic related challenges that led to the cancellation of the third edition in 2020.

“I want Eldoret City Marathon to be like Boston Marathon. When I competed and won Boston in 1996, it was 100 years old and those who founded it were long gone,” Tanui said.

He added: “With the support of our sponsors, Eldoret City Marathon will be here to stay.”

The director said registration of participants started soon after the launch and will end a few days to the day of the event. 

“We are urging athletes to register early because organisers will not issue BIB numbers during the day of the race,” Tanui said.

Former 5000m World champion Benjamin Limo said the marathon will offer athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents as they prepare to take part in major races across the world. 

Limo, who is a member of the Eldoret City Marathon, asked athletes to prepare well for the rich prize money. 

“As a member of the organising committee I wish all athletes who are preparing for the marathon well. The idea of this marathon was to give athletes the opportunity to compete while preparing for their international assignments,” Limo said.

Galazo sports events organisation founder Bob Verbeeck said the firm will play a role in inviting athletes from across the world to take part in this year’s edition of Eldoret City Marathon. Golazo introduced electronic timing that worked flawlessly during the 2021 edition of the race.

Verbeeck said Golazo is using its experience in athletics events organising across the globe to make Eldoret City marathon a world class race.

“We want to make Eldoret City Marathon into an event like Boston and New York City Marathons, and I am sure it is possible with our systems,” he said.

To live up to its Climate Action theme, organisers announced that 1.2 million trees will be planted across Uasin Gishu.