Eldoret Marathon gets sponsorship boost

Roselyn Kosgey, chief officer education culture and social services Uasin Gishu county, Douglas Wakiuri, William tanui and Catherine Dereva receiving sponsorship cheque from Stanbic Bank chief Executive Charles Mudiwa towards Eldoret Marathon. [Photo: Standard]

The inaugural Eldoret Marathon organisers have received Sh2.5 million from Stanbic Bank ahead of the event on Sunday. The race, launched last month, will see winners in men and women’s 42km events pocket Sh3 million each, thus becoming the richest marathon in the country.

Runners up and third place finishers will pocket Sh1.5 million and Sh1 million respectively. The cash reward will trickle downwards to tenth position.

Speaking to Standard Sports from Eldoret, Race director Moses Tanui, a former two-time Boston marathon champion, said it is all system go. “Everything is in place, we are going to give you the best organisation ever. The route has been mapped, we are also glad sponsorship is coming. So expect a great event on Sunday. Total prize money is Sh12.9 million. We are also setting a 700-seater dome, where runners and spectators merge to watch the London Marathon on big screens,” he said. 

The marathon, co-sponsored by Uasin Gishu County, aims to place Eldoret City on the global map with regard to organisation ability to complement the athletes' success. Its theme is ‘Climate Change’.

Speaking when he presented the cheque yesterday, Stanbic CEO Charles Mudiwa praised the idea as noble. “Kenya is our home, that’s why as Stanbic Bank we support its growth, and sports development is key. We believe in this cause as runners help in driving economic growth,” said Mudiwa.

Mudiwa was accompanied by former champions Douglas Wakiihuri, Catherine Ndereba and William Tanui. “We just finished Commonwealth Games, 2020 Olympics is the next global event, and this event will give runners at the grassroots a chance to develop talent. The prize money is attractive, giving those who can’t afford running abroad a great opportunity to run at home” said Wakiihuri, Rome 1987 World Marathon Champion.