Kipchirchir urges athletes on, as he bows out of Eldoret race

Eldoret City Marathon reigning champion Victor Kipchirchir has challenged athletes taking part in this year’s race scheduled for April 10, to aim for the course record he set in June last year.

Kipchichir, who cruised to a 2:08:56 course record in the high altitude Eldoret City Marathon, demolishing a 2:12:38 mark set by Mathew Kisorio in 2019, said he will not compete in this year's race as he aims to take part in the Vienna Marathon, on April 24.

The fourth edition of the marathon run in Eldoret, the town dubbed ‘The City of Champions’ because many of the country’s world beaters live and train there, will be staged on Sunday April 10.

The 2021 surprise winner challenged compatriots and others athletes, who will be eying the race’s hefty prize money (Sh3.5 million for winners), to target the 2021 course record.

Kipchirchir said he will be cheering other athletes along the streets of Eldoret, as he prepares to parade alongside an elite field at the Vienna Marathon.

“I was ready to defend my Eldoret City Marathon title in April, but I was entered in the Vienna Marathon thanks to my win in Eldoret," he said.

“Eldoret City Marathon is full of surprises and as an athlete, I have a feeling that it will remain surprising and more interesting this year."

Kipchirchir called on more athletes to register for this year’s marathon, saying anyone can clinch the title.

The Kaptagat-based athlete said he will be back to reclaim his victory in the 2023 edition.

According to Kipchirchir, who is a former Valencia Marathon champion, said the Eldoret race is a stepping-stone to competitive international races.

“I have a feeling that previous winners such as Mathew Kisorio will be taking part this year because this is a tough race and every athlete seeks to use it to prepare for major international assignments. Apart from the prize money, the race has opened an opportunity for me,” Kipchirchir said.

He said he is hoping to write his personal best at the Vienna Marathon.

Last year, Kipchirchir, who was making a comeback after suffering an injury during a 2018 road accident, defeated second-placed Leonard Lagat (2:10:49) and Emmanuel Bor, who finished third in 2:11:10.

“The prize money helped me train better. That is why I encourage more athletes to register for this year’s race. It was a breakthrough for me,” he added.

Race director Moses Tanui and chairman Andrew Chelogoi are in charge of preparations.