Preparations for the Eldoret City Marathon have received a shot in the arm after Mediheal Group of Hospitals presented a sponsorship cheque worth Sh1 million.
The hospital’s Vice President Umesh Nichat presented the cheque to the marathon’s organizing committee on Wednesday.
Speaking during the event, Nichat said the hospital will also provide physios, medicines and ambulance during the race slated for April 21st.
“We have always been part of athletics events in this region and the Eldoret City marathon is very close to us and with the theme, that is climate change, we would definitely like to participate and make a change to this environment,” he noted.
The Eldoret City Marathon themed ‘Climate Change’ is on its second edition and is billed as the highest paying marathon in Africa.
Winners for both male and female races in 42 kilometers will pocket Sh3.5 million with total prize money being Sh18 million.
Several corporate organizations have already donated their financial support towards the race.
“Right now we still have a deficit of Sh4 million but we hope that all other sponsors will be coming in to join the good course of this marathon,” said Moses Tanui, a two-time Boston Marathon winner who is the marathon’s director.
“Eldoret City Marathon is meant to showcase the talents that we have and a chance for the young talents to showcase their hard work,” added Andrew Chelogoi, the race chairman.
Chelogoi further said they are aiming at planting over 5 million tree seedlings across Uasin Gishu County ahead of the race in a bid to increase the county's forest cover from the current 7.8 per cent to over 10 per cent in the next 4-5 years.
Apart from the 42 kilometers race, there will also be a 5 kilometers fan race.
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