Organisers of the Eldoret City Marathon have challenged Athletics Kenya (AK) to explain why the annual race has been omitted from the federation’s 2026/2027 competition calendar.
Led by race director and double Boston Marathon champion Moses Tanui, the organisers, alongside veteran athletes, expressed disappointment over the decision, noting that the marathon has been held annually since 2018.
The 2027 edition had been scheduled for April 27, but its omission from the calendar released by Athletics Kenya last week has raised concerns among the organisers.
Tanui questioned the federation’s decision, saying the Eldoret City Marathon has played a significant role in nurturing athletics talent and providing emerging runners, particularly from the North Rift region, with a platform to develop their careers.
He revealed that the organisers had written to Athletics Kenya seeking the inclusion of the event but were yet to receive a response.
Tanui also questioned the federation’s commitment to supporting competitions that create opportunities for athletes and contribute to the growth of athletics in the country.
“Eldoret City Marathon has built a platform for many athletes to progress in their careers. We wrote letters to Athletics Kenya and Abbott marathon, but only one entity responded. We question why Eldoret City Marathon is not in the calendar,” said Tanui.
He noted that Abbott marathon had already included the race in its calendar, urging Athletics Kenya to recognise its contribution by incorporating it into the national competition schedule.
Former world steeplechase champion Wilson Boit Kipketer also criticised the federation’s leadership, accusing its officials of remaining in office illegally and failing to undertake constitutional reforms.
Kipketer called on World Athletics to put pressure on Athletics Kenya to review its constitution, arguing that the federation’s governance structure was not serving the best interests of athletes.
Another former world steeplechase champion, Christopher Koskei, defended the marathon’s contribution to athletics development, saying runners from the North Rift region had benefited immensely from the competition.
Koskei credited the event with nurturing local talent and providing athletes with opportunities to showcase their abilities and advance their careers.
The veterans called on Athletics Kenya to reconsider its decision, include the Eldoret City Marathon in its 2026/2027 calendar and address the governance concerns raised by former athletes.
The dispute has once again brought into focus the relationship between athletics organisers and the national federation, particularly over the recognition and support of competitions that contribute to grassroots talent development.