Race against time as Eldoret City Marathon preps take shape

Eldoret City Marathon race director Moses Tanui in a past function. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

It's race against time as organisers start preparations for the fourth Eldoret City Marathon set for April 10.

Unlike in previous editions, where it coincided with London Marathon, the contest will coincide with NN Rotterdam Marathon in The Netherlands.

Yesterday, Local Organising Committee (LOC) led by race director Moses Tanui held their first meeting ahead of a planned official launch of the 2022 edition, which is tentatively on Friday next week.

LOC’s technical team features top coaches such as Patrick Sang, Richard Metto, retired athletes in 1998 Commonwealth 800m champion Japheth Kimutai and 1987 African Games 10,000m champion Leah Malot.

Athletics Kenya Youth Committee chairman Barnaba Korir and Central Rift chairman Abraham Mutai are technical committee members.

Tanui, the two-time Boston Marathon winner, said they have appointed Golazo Sports Management, which is headquartered in Brussels, to organise the race.

Last year, Golazo introduced the electronic timing technology –radio frequency identification (RFID) – an electronic timer known as Race and Result Machine that was quite efficient in the third edition on June 6, 2021.

According to Tanui, organisers are working with Golazo as they strive to earn a World Athletics label. “We are still working with Golazo for events management and looking forward to working with them in future. The official launch set for next Friday will be subject to Uasin Gishu Governor’s confirmation.

“I am expecting the technical committee to be more proactive this year. We are adhering to international standards this time as we strive to earn a label,” Tanui said.

The race’s Climate Action theme, he said, will be enhanced this year.