The fifth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon, held on Sunday in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, witnessed dominant performances from Victor Rotich Kipchirchir and Emily Jepkemoi.
Rotich successfully defended his title for the third consecutive year. He clocked a time of 2:12:49 in the men’s 42-kilometer race, edging out close competition from Felix Kipsang (2:12:52) and Evans Kipruto (2:13:16), who secured second and third place, respectively.
Rotich attributed his success to God’s grace, rigorous training, and strategic pacing.
“This race holds immense value for me, as it has transformed my life in a bigger way. Winning on home ground fills me with pride. I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Moses Tanui, the founder of this marathon, and sponsors like Safaricom for their contributions to its success,” said Victor Rotich.
Jepkemoi Clinches Victory in Women’s Race
Emily Jepkemoi, hailing from West Pokot, emerged victorious in the women’s race.
Having finished fourth in the previous edition, Emily Jepkemoi clocked a time of 2:30:13, surpassing Martha Akeno (2:31:52) and Joan Jepkosgei (2:34:15), who claimed second and third place, respectively.
“I thank God and my coach for today’s victory. In the last edition, I finished in fourth position, and today, I am delighted to have emerged as the winner. This is a huge blessing for my family and me, as I will use the money to uplift my family back to West Pokot,” said Emilly Jepkemoi.
Rotich and Jepkemoi were each awarded KES 3.5 million for their victories.
The first runners-up, Felix Kipsang and Martha Akeno, received KES 1.5 million each, while Evans Kipruto and Joan Jepkosgei, the second runners-up, took home KES 1 million each.
The top 20 finishers in both categories received locally assembled Neon Ultra smartphones, Kenya’s first 4G smartphone, and airtime courtesy of Safaricom.
10KM Race Winner
Festus Kipkemoi dominated the 10KM category, clocking an impressive time of 32:16.2. Benson Chondi (33:53.4) and Abderezak Alewo (36:44.4) from Kakamega and Ethiopia secured second and third place respectively.
Eldoret City Marathon Individual Prizes
| MEN 42 KM | CASH PRIZE (KES) | WOMEN 42 KM | CASH PRIZE (KES) | |
| 1 | Victor Rotich Kipchirchir | 3,500,000 | Emily Jepkemoi | 3,500,000 |
| 2 | Felix Kipsang Mutai | 1,500,000 | Martha Akeno | 1,500,000 |
| 3 | Evans Kipruto | 1,000,000 | Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo | 1,000,000 |
| 4 | Onesmus Kiplimo Kiplagat | 700,000 | Jerono Peris | 700,000 |
| 5 | Edwin Kiptoo Kimeli | 550,000 | Delvine Relin | 550,000 |
| 6 | Elias Kemboi Chelimo | 450,000 | Irene Jerobon | 450,000 |
| 7 | Bernard Kipkemoi | 350,000 | Joy Joyce Kemuma | 350,000 |
| 8 | Kenneth Korir | 250,000 | Viola Chemos | 250,000 |
| 9 | Bothwell Kiprono Chemueno | 150,000 | Harriet Jepchumba Chebore | 150,000 |
| 10 | Wilfred Kemboi | 100,000 | Gladys Kemboi | 100,000 |
| 11 | Sonto Erick | 90,000 | Mercy Kipchumba | 90,000 |
| 12 | Abraham Kiplimo | 80,000 | Gladys Jeruto Kiptoo | 80,000 |
| 13 | David Kiprono Metto | 70,000 | Celestine Jepchumba Kemei | 70,000 |
| 14 | Luke Kibet | 60,000 | Bency Chepngeno | 60,000 |
| 15 | Ismael Cheboror | 50,000 | Chelangat Sang | 50,000 |
| 16 | Obadiah Kiprop Mayio | 40,000 | Susy Chebet Chemaimak | 40,000 |
| 17 | Joshua Kimutai Kandagor | 30,000 | Lucy Chelele | 30,000 |
| 18 | Oscar Okapel Okiring | 20,000 | Rael Jepyator Kimaiyio | 20,000 |
| 19 | Alpha Malinga Kisa | 15,000 | Vivian Jerotich | 15,000 |
| 20 | Josphat Kipkoech | 10,000 | Nancy Jebet Koech | 10,000 |
The Eldoret City Marathon, conceptualized by two-time Boston Marathon champion Moses Tanui, has grown significantly.
This year, 800 runners from Kenya and beyond participated.
The marathon serves a dual purpose: providing a platform for aspiring athletes and promoting environmental conservation efforts.
Safaricom’s KES 4.3 million sponsorship further strengthens the event’s ability to achieve these goals.