Kipchumba, Kipchirchir dominate lucrative Eldoret City Marathon

Debutant Mercy Kipchumba and Victor Kipchirchir produced  stellar runs to win the third edition of Eldoret City Marathon on a chilly Sunday morning in Eldoret town.

Kipchumba clocked 2:28:31 to cut the tape ahead of Judith Korir who came in second within a timeframe of 2:28:31. Jackline Chelai managed to record 2:29:47, settling for position three in the women’s category of 42.195KM

Speaking moments after winning her race, Mercy Kipchumba revealed that she did not expect to go all the way in the star – studded marathon.

"I did not expect to win particularly after seeing the star-studded start list. I was encouraged to participate and try to post a good time to attract international interest,” she said.

In the men’s category, Victor Kipchirchir won the race using 2:08:56 with Leonard Langat coming in close with 2:10:49. Emmanuel Bor finished third with 2:11:10.

Winners of the particular highest paying marathon in Africa took home a staggering KSh 3.5m. Eldoret City Marathon is a race that champions climate action. Over 100,000 tree seedlings have been planted over the past one month in various institutions across Uasin Gishu County.

In this year’s edition, a total of 56 sponsors came on board to support the event with the Uasin Gishu County Government being one of the major promoters.

The world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge graced the function as the chief guest with Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago completing a five kilometre fun race.