Eldoret hosted First ever Largest Marathon in Africa

 

Uasin Gishu County successfully hosted the largest ever Marathon in Africa. 

The event was sponsored by Standard Media Group, Paramount Bank, Kenya Pipeline, Kenya Seed Company, Kenya Dairy Board, New KCC, Coca Cola Company and Jambo Jet.

The marathon advocating for climate action was held on Sunday at Eldoret is third edition of its kind. The event was held a day after World Environment Day and had been preceded by tree planting exercise. 

According to the event organizers, over 100,000 tree seedlings was planted prior to the race. The main mission is to conserve Kaptagat, Kapseret forests and to safeguard Cherangani water towers. 

Winners of Eldoret City Marathon, Third Edition

Victor Kipchirchir won the 42km Eldoret City Marathon within 2.08.56 while Mercy Kipchumba led the women category in a span 2.28.10. It was the first time that Mercy was participating in the contest. She upset bigger names to win the race. 

Leonard Lang’at was the second in men’s category and covered the race within 2.10.49 followed by Emmanuel Bor who used 2.11.10hrs to complete the race. 

The winners in both category bagged kshs.3.5million.

Governor Mandago won the Leaders Category

Political leaders led by the host governor also participated in the marathon but were limited to 5km.

Eldoret City is the bastion of top-rated world marathoners. Eliud Kipchoge, who completed a race of 42km in less than 2 hours, hails from the neighboring Nandi County.

The competition was endorsed by Athletics Kenya. Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago, Nandi governor Stephen Sang, Elgeyo Marakwet governor Alex Tolgos, Soy MP Caleb Kositany, former acclaimed marathoner Kipchoge Keino and Standard Group CEO Orlando Lyomu among other leaders graced the event.

Three counties including Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet are among those bound under North Rift Economic Block (NOREC). The main focus of NOREC is to promote athletics to woo both local and foreign tourists.