Ugandan Dorrine Chesang and Koech Cheruiyot were crowned the champions of the 2026 Eldoret City Marathon held today in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county.
Chesang won the women’s title after edging out bigwigs like former Boston marathon champion Sharon Cherop, former Commonwealth Games marathon champion Flomena Cheyech Daniels among others for the title in a hotly contested race.
she clocked 2:30:26 beating Kenyan Margaret Muriuki to second place after stopping the timer at 2:30:45 with Jackline Jerono completing the top three in 2:31:51.
following the victory, Chesang said that the race was too competitive and coming home with the title was a way of consoling her determination in the race.
“The race was too tough especially facing off with the experienced marathoners. Victory is the best reward,” said Chesang.
She added that she was patient and strategy were key to her victory, revealing she made her decisive move after the 25-kilometre mark.
“It was just like our training session. When I reached 25 kilometres, I decided to run my race and that is how I won,” said Chesang.
Beatrice Miningwo finished fourth in 2:32:01, while Loyce Joy Kemuma came fifth in 2:32:24.
Former marathon star Sharon Jemutai Cherop settled for sixth place in 2:32:52, ahead of Stella Chepkorir Koros, who timed 2:33:19 for seventh.
Damaris Areba finished eighth in 2:34:21, with Gladys Chemweno and Flomena Cheyech completing the top ten in 2:37:21 and 2:37:54 respectively.
The win adds another milestone for Chesang as the Eldoret City Marathon continues to cement its place among Kenya’s top road races, attracting elite athletes from across the region
After crossing the finish in position 21 last year, Cheruiyot returned to the same course to prove a point.
He said that the determination and hard work in training paid off.
“The position last year was not appealing but I managed to get a manager and that comes with great things. I have really improved and ready for any race that comes ahead. I want to win more,” he said.
He clocked 2:12:53 for the top prize ahead of Leonard Kiprotich who clocked 2:13:23 with Hosea Kiplimo completing the podium at 2:13:49
The race saw a tightly packed leading group in the opening stages before Cheruiyot broke away in the closing kilometres to secure victory and claim the top prize.
Cheruiyot’s triumph underlined his growing reputation in the local road-running circuit, adding another major title to his athletics career.
Amos Kipkemoi Cheruiyot finished fourth in 2:13:43, narrowly missing out on a podium place, while Sang Nehemiah completed the top five in 2:13:59.
Geoffrey Chirchir came in sixth after posting 2:14:28, followed by Chelule Nicholas in seventh in 2:14:41.
Ndorobo Peter Kwemoi secured eighth place in 2:15:09, as Chemweno Micah crossed the line ninth in 2:15:27.
Bett Josphat rounded off the top 10 after clocking 2:15:50 in the competitive race.
The marathon continues to grow in stature as one of Kenya’s premier road races, attracting elite athletes seeking to test themselves on the challenging course in the athletics-rich North Rift region
Selected results
Men
- Koech Cheruiyot 2:12:53
- Leonard Kiprotich 2:13:23
- Hosea Kiplimo 2:13:29
- Amos Cheruiyot Kipkemoi 2:13:43
- Nehemiah Sang 2:13:59
- Geoffrey Chirchir 2:14:28
- Nicholas Chelule 2:14:41
- Peter Ndorobo Kwemoi 2:15:09
- Micah Chemweno 2:15:27
- Josphat Bett 2:15:50
Women
- Dorrine Chesang 2:30:26
- Margaret Muruiki 2:30:45
- Jackline Jerono 2:31:51
- Beatrice Miningwo 2:32:01
- Loyce Joy Kemuma 2:32:24
- Sharon Cherop Jemutai 2:32:52
- Stella Koros Chepkorir 2:33:19
- Damaris Areba 2:34:21
- Gladys Chemweno 2:37:21
- Flomena Cheyech Daniels 2:37:54