Why Eldoret race’s exciting course may change in future

Today, athletes taking part in Eldoret City Marathon will battle for top honors in a course that has at least 60 turns, and which will take them through a majority of the town’s estates.

But the course where four editions have been run on, might change in future editions. The many turns have made the last four editions exciting.

The Eldoret course is in stark contrast to Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin and London marathons which are the world’s Big Five marathons.

The Eldoret City Marathon organisers have indicated that the completion of the Eldoret eastern bypass will present an opportunity for adjustment of the route to minimize the many turns.

“There have been requests by wheelchair racers to take part in this race but it has not been possible because of many road pumps in many areas of Eldoret. With the completion of the Eldoret bypass, the course can be adjusted to allow their participation,” Eldoret City Marathon technical team reported.

Navigating the bends starts at the intersection of Eldoret-Iten road and University of Eldoret junction.

After a flat course through Kimumu, Hawaii and Rock Centre, marathoners will make a sharp turn at the Veterinary junction as they race towards Eldoret Water and Sewerage (Eldowas) main offices and the PCEA Church.

In the top five marathons, elevations are lower and in some, the courses are at the sea level.

At the Kenyatta street intersection, athletes take 32 turns through Kisumu road, Nyerere road, Elgon View estate, Boma Inn Hotel, Nandi road, Grand Prix Hotel, Sosiani Hotel,  Ken-Knit Company, Moi Girls High School, Kapsoya Estate Kao La Amani Church, RVTTI, Rupa Mall and Village through Eldoret Cathedral Church to the finish line outside Zion Mall.