Rotich, Jepkemoi win the 5th edition of Eldoret City Marathon

Eldoret, Kenya – 21^st April 2024 … Victor Rotich Kipchirchir and Emily Jepkemoi are the winners of the fifth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon held on Sunday, April 21st, 2024, Uasin Gishu County.

In chilly conditions, Rotich crossed the finish line with a time of 2:12:49, successfully defending his title for the third consecutive year and claiming the top spot in the men’s 42 KM race. Close behind were Felix Kipsang and Evans Kipruto, finishing second and third with times of 2:12:52 and 2:13:16, respectively.

“I am thrilled to have defended my title for the third year in a row. It is not easy, but with God’s grace, good preparation, and training, I am glad I have managed. Although I started slowly, I gradually picked up the pace and eventually took the lead. 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 to sponsors like Safaricom for their contributions to its success.” Said Victor Rotich.

Elsewhere, Emily Jepkemoi from West Pokot, who finished fourth in the last edition, overcame tough competition to emerge as the winner in the women’s race with a time of 2:30:13. Martha Akeno claimed second place with a time of 2:31:52, just one minute behind Jepkemoi, while Joan Jepkosgei secured the third position with a time of 2:34:15.

“I thank God and my coach for today’s victory. Last edition, I finished in fourth position, and today I am delighted to have emerged as the winner. This is a huge blessing for me and my family, as I will use the money to uplift my family back in West Pokot.” Said Emilly Jepkemoi.

Both Rotich and Jepkemoi each pocketed KES 3.5 million in cash, while the first runners-up, Felix Kipsang and Martha Akeno, took home KES 1.5 million each. The second runners-up, Evans Kipruto and Joan Jepkosgei, each walked away with KES 1 million.

In addition, all the top 20 winners in both men and women categories received Neon Ultra phones, the first locally assembled 4G smartphone in Kenya and airtime courtesy of Safaricom.

Elsewhere, Festus Kipkemoi emerged the winner in the 10 KM category after clocking 32:16.2. Benson Chondi from Kakamega finished second, with Ethiopian Abderezak Alewo settling for the third position in 33:53.4 and 36:44.4 respectively.

The fifth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon received KES 4.3 million sponsorship from Safaricom. The annual marathon event held in the ‘City of Champions’ is the brainchild of two-time Boston marathon champion Moses Tanui. It aims to provide a platform for upcoming, talented athletes and to help shine a spotlight on conservation of the environment.

This year, the event attracted a larger entrance, with 800 participants from Kenya and beyond the borders.

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