Eldoret City Marathon 2023 postponed over unsolved issues

• The anticipated Eldoret City Marathon remains cancelled
• Race Director, Moses Tanui, a two-time Boston Marathon champion stated on Thursday
• The announcement comes as a disappointment to athletes, sponsors, and fans

The anticipated Eldoret City Marathon, initially scheduled to take place on October 01, 2023, has been indefinitely postponed.

This is according to an official statement released on Thursday by the Race Director, Moses Tanui, a two-time Boston Marathon champion.

The announcement comes as a disappointment to athletes, sponsors, and fans who had eagerly anticipated the event, but Tanui emphasized that the decision was made with the utmost consideration for the athletes’ interests and the integrity of the competition.

In the official statement, Tanui cited two primary reasons for the postponement. Firstly, there have been unexpected delays in the arrival of running merchandise shipped from Dubai, which is crucial for the smooth organization of the marathon.

This merchandise is expected to be delivered on Monday morning, but its late arrival has disrupted the event’s planning.

Eldoret City Marathon 2023 has been postponed. Photo/YouTube

Secondly, the Eldoret City Marathon faced the challenge of a sudden withdrawal by the County Government of Uasin Gishu as the title sponsor.

In response, the race organizers embarked on a search for new title sponsors to ensure the continuity of the event. However, the completion of the transaction to deposit the prize money, a critical component of the marathon, has been delayed.

The Eldoret City Marathon Race Director, a legendary figure in the world of long-distance running, expressed his deep commitment to the athletes’ welfare and the importance of upholding the race’s standards.

Tanui stated, “As a former athlete who understands the immense effort that goes into training and preparation, I cannot, in good conscience, allow this race to proceed without the assurance that the prize money is available to honor the hard work and dedication of our participants.”

The postponement decision is intended to protect the interests and expectations of the athletes who have been diligently preparing for the event.

The organizers are committed to providing a fair competition that recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of the participants.

He also assured all registered athletes that they would receive prompt refunds for their registration fees. The Eldoret City Marathon team acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the postponement and expresses profound regret for the situation.

Despite the disappointment, Tanui made it clear that the Eldoret City Marathon’s postponement is not a sign of the end but a pause.

A past Eldoret City Marathon. Photo/The People

The marathon will be rescheduled when the necessary funds are secured and the prize money is safely deposited in the event’s bank account.

“Our athletes deserve nothing less than a fair competition, and it is our responsibility to guarantee that their efforts are justly rewarded,” Tanui affirmed.

The Eldoret City Marathon, a highly anticipated event on the athletics calendar, has become a symbol of Kenya’s rich running tradition and a showcase of world-class talent.

Its postponement underscores the importance of ensuring the event’s integrity and fairness for all participants.

Following the postponement of Eldoret City Marathon event, organizers are working diligently to resolve the issues and secure the required funds, athletes, sponsors, and fans can look forward to a future edition that upholds the high standards and values of this prestigious marathon.