No room for error as Eldoret City race draws closer

Preparations for the third edition of the Eldoret City Marathon are in top gear, four days after a new date for the race was set.

The marathon, which has electrified Eldoret town since 2018, will be held on June 6.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) chaired by Andrew Chelogoi said yesterday that the race, which was initially scheduled for April 11, will take place under strict Covid-19 protocols.

The LOC was meeting for the first time after the announcement of the new date.

Chelogoi said guidelines that had been put in place before the suspension of the race in March will be adhered to when the race is held on June 6.

He added that a team of health workers drawn from hospitals in Uasin Gishu County will work with the police in enforcing Covid-19 guidelines.

“There will be no crowds in the finish line. Fans are urged to follow the action from home so that we avoid crowding. We will be having very few tents for athletes at the finish line,” Chelogoi said.

LOC also added that participants in the 5km fun race will be required to go home once they finish the race.

“The Prize ceremony for the 5km fun race, which traditionally takes place at the finish line, will be held at a later date,” Chelogoi said.

Race director, two-time Boston marathon winner, Moses Tanui said registration will close on June 2 and Bib numbers will be issued between June 3 and 5.