Athletics: Sh3.5m up for grabs at Eldoret City Marathon
Athletics
By
Stephen Rutto
| Jan 25, 2020
Eldoret City Marathon, a race that’s billed as the highest paying in Africa, will be staged on April 19.
Yesterday, organisers launched the Eldoret’s premier race in which Standard Group PLC are among the sponsors. Winner will take home Sh3.5 million prize money.
Two-time Boston Marathon winner and race organizer Moses Tanui said many sponsors are on board.
Tanui said organisers want the match the standards of other well heeled big city marathons in Europe and America.
Tanui, the 1991 world 10,000m champion, said the race aims at nurturing budding athletes.
“Our target was not to have elite athletes in the race. We want to tap young talents and ensure the budding get sponsors fter the marathon,” Tanui said.
He said the pay out has attracted elite runners to the race. Athletes from Ethiopia and Uganda have competed in the past editions.
Observers said this year’s race is likely to attract athletes from Ethiopia and Uganda.
“Last year’s winners in Kisorio and Valary went ahead to win other international races,” he said.
Central Rift Athletics Kenya chairman Abraham Mutai said the federation will offer technical support.
Mutai said the town will be organized in a way that will see fans run alongside athletes in various sections along the course.
Standard Group Human Resource Director Nicholas Siwatom, who represented Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Orlando Lyomu, said Standard Group will support the race.
Siwatom said Orlando will will take part in the race. As you become the best county in sports activities, we want to walk with you to be the best media house,” Siwatom said.