Eldoret: The awards ceremony of the winners for the 7th Edition of the Eldoret city attracted elite athletes, retired Olympians, and high-ranking officials to celebrate the top finishers of the recently concluded, highly competitive race.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 2026 edition delivered exceptional performances across both the men’s and women’s elite categories, with top finishers taking home staggering cash prizes of Sh3.5 million for the champions, Sh1.5 million for the runners-up, and Sh1 million for the third-place finishers.
In the men’s division, Koech Cheruiyot emerged victorious after clocking 2:12:53 to claim the top prize of Sh3.5 million. Leonard Kiprotich finished second in 2:13:23, earning Sh1.5 million, while Hosea Kiplimo came third with a time of 2:13:29 to pocket Sh1 million.
In the women’s division, Uganda’s Dorrine Chesang cruised to victory in 2:30:26, taking home the Sh 3.5 million winner’s prize. Margaret Muruiki finished second after posting 2:30:45 to earn Sh 1.5 million, while Jackline Jerono secured third place in 2:31:51, receiving Sh 1 million.
Men’s champion Koech Cheruiyot could not hide the joy on his face during the ceremony. He reiterated his plans to use his Sh 3.5 million grand prize to purchase land and build a house for his mother.
Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, who graced the ceremony, commended the athletes for their strategic racing and, crucially, for testing negative for doping. ‘It was a calculated and strategic run from the athletes to obtain a prize. Today we not only celebrate the remarkable athletes’ achievements but also the discipline, hard work, resilience, and determination that defines true champions,’ Governor Bii stated.
The Governor urged the athletes to maintain integrity, professionalism, and credibility by avoiding illegal substances, praising the winners for trusting their natural strength. He also offered sound long-term advice to the runners, encouraging them to save through SACCOs and cooperatives and to invest wisely to secure their future after retirement. Specifically, he advised them to take advantage of affordable housing initiatives to avoid the long-term, unsustainable costs of renting.
Athletics Kenya Chairman for the Uasin Gishu Branch, Joseph Boit, applauded the main sponsor, Uasin Gishu County, alongside the media for their excellent publicity. He took the opportunity to urge the national government to invest heavily in modern sporting infrastructure, such as stadia, to ensure athletes have ample facilities during training.
County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Sports, Robert Kemei, and the Chairman of the Eldoret City Board, Madam Kositany, also lauded the athletes for putting Eldoret on the global map and marketing the city to the world.
Marathon Director Moses Tanui extended his appreciation to the event’s extensive network of corporate partners, including the Uasin Gishu County Government, Coca-Cola, Kenya Seed Company, Yellow Bet, Tourism Fund, Reale, Lifecare, Tophill, and Eldoret Hospitals, among others. Tanui affirmed the organizing team’s commitment to the race and officially assured athletes that planning is already underway for the 8th edition, scheduled to take place in July next year.
The prestigious event was also attended by County Secretary Philip Melly, County Speaker Mugei, the County Sports Chief Officer, and the County Assembly Majority Leader, among other local leaders.
