It was all celebrations as organizers of Eldoret City marathon paid the 2022 athletes their prize money today.
After a long wait for almost a year, it was the defining moment when top 20 athletes received their dues with organizers, led by two time Boston marathon champion promising to host another race later this year.
The women champion Emily Chebet said that it has taken long but now that she has been paid, she will use thew money well.
“I thank God that we have been paid after a very long time. For now I am preparing to compete at the Milan marathon with hopes of better results,” said Chebet.
Last year, Chebet won the 4th edition of Eldoret City marathon after timing 2:29.58 ahead Sharlyne
Toroitich (2:30.13) and Lilian
Jelagat who completed the podium in 2:30.23.
Men winner, who scooped a double Victor Kipchirchir Rotich said that the long wait was frustrating but he had hope that he will be paid.
“I am happy that we have been paid because we have waited for long. We knew we would be paid but we did not know when. I don’t know if I will run this year’s race because I will be competing at the Siemens marathon next month,” he said.
Race director Moses Tanui said that since they have managed to pay athletes their dues, they can start organizing for 2023 edition.
“We have managed to pay the athletes after taking too long because of technical issues but I ma happy that we have paid them. From now, we can now start organizing the 2023 marathon. As a retired athlete, I could not do anything before I pay the last year’s winners. I hope by next week, we shall announce the plans for this year’s marathon, set up the Local Organising Committee and arrangements for this year’s race. The plans are there for this year’s marathon,” said the double Boston marathon winner.
Kipchirchir won the title in 2:13.10 ahead of Michael Mutai (2:13.23) and Josphat Kipkoech Bett in 2:13.36.