800 athletes set sights on glory at Eldoret race

Emily Chebet Kipchumba reacts after winning women's Eldoret City Marathon in 2022. [Christopher Kipsang,Standard]

More than 800 athletes will be taking part in the 42km elite race at the 2024 Eldoret City Marathon on Sunday.

The stars will be eyeing to make history in the race that is run in the City of Champions.

Luke Kiprop, the surprise winner of the 2023 Iten International Marathon is looking to stamp authority once again, this time on the streets of Eldoret.

Kiprop rose from a herder to marathon winner who borrowed shoes and went ahead to surprise big shots in Iten.

He will be facing at least 500 men comprising elites and upcoming marathoners eying glory in tomorrow’s showdown.

By the close of registration on Thursday evening more than 800 athletes had signed up for the Eldoret contest, with hundreds of fun runners also enrolling for the event.

Susy Chemaimak, the 2018 Port Elizabeth Half Marathon as well as 10,000m and 10km specialist Loice Chemweno will be among athletes who will be seeking to write history.

Race Director Moses Tanui said all logistics have been finalized and that organisers were ready for tomorrow’s showpiece.

“We are set and ready to host the 2024 edition of Eldoret City Marathon. The event will start outside Highlands Inn and end at the TAC center in Eldoret town. The marathon route has been marked and the security team has assured us that all is well for the event,” said Tanui.

The new course runs through Eldoret Central Business District, Huruma, Langas, Elgon View and Kapsoiya and showcases the town’s athletics features such as Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

Several athletes had arrived in Eldoret by last evening, with a bigger number expected to do their warm ups in the town today.

Athletes will also be targeting to win the race's rich prize money. Marathon winners will walk away with Sh3.5 million each.

Today, organisers will be putting up the final touches just hours to the competition that will run from 7am, leading to road closure until around midday.

Athletics enthusiasts will be following the action live on KTN News. After the morning show in Eldoret, the focus will be shifting to the London Marathon.