Top guns to battle in Eldoret City Marathon on Sunday

Sharon Cherop celebrates after crossing the finish line during the first edition of Eldoret City Marathon in Eldoret town on April 22, 2018. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Fireworks are expected when the second Eldoret City Marathon gets underway on Sunday.

The race starts at the University of Eldoret and takes at least 20 turns before ending at Central Primary School in Eldoret town.

Athletes will take the first turn at Junction and then proceed to Uasin Gishu Veterinary Services offices. They then turn left to Coca Cola Company as they head towards Paul’s Bakery along Uganda Road.

They head to Mwanzo and Umoja estates en route to 64 Stadium then proceed to West Indies, Elgon view and Kapsoya before heading to the finish line at Central Primary School.

Two-time Boston Marathon winner Moses Tanui said the route was redesigned because of the ongoing road construction works in the town.

Deputy President William Ruto, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and a number of governors will attend the competition. The Standard Group is a media sponsor.

“The course may be changed in the next few years because of road constructions in the town. The changes may slow the race but we expect fast times on Sunday,” Tanui said yesterday.

He said the course was measured by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and certified by IAAF as a standard course.

Tanui, the first man to run half marathon under one hour, said at least 1,000 athletes are expected to chase the Sh3.5 million top prize, which makes it the highest paying marathon in Africa.

He said Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) will do doping tests. “We are sending a strong warning to those who intend to dope before competing in this race that they should not attempt to show up because we have put in place to nab them,” he said.

Top 20 athletes in men’s and women’s races will get prize money with winners getting Sh3.5 million while 20th placed athletes get Sh10,0000.

Ethiopians will lend international colour to the contest as they lineup Eskinder Haliemaryan Fulie and Ishmael Joshbekas Hasielle. Defending champion Elkanah Kibet Yego, the two-time Kisumu City marathon winner, will be back for another shot at his title.