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Eldoret City Marathon crowns new winners
Viola Chepng'eno (left) and Edwin Kipruto cross the finish line to win their respective races at the Eldoret City Marathon in Uasin Gishu County on April 27, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Three-time winner Victor Kipchirchir, who also triumphed last year, did not return to compete.
- Emily Chepkemoi, who won the women’s race last year, also failed to compete this year.
New winners have been crowned in the sixth edition of Eldoret City Marathon.
Former Boston Half Marathon champion Viola Chepng'eno and marathon runner Edwin Tuitoek Kipruto were on Sunday crowned champions of the Eldoret City Marathon in Uasin Gishu County.
Three-time winner Victor Kipchirchir, who also triumphed last year, did not return to compete. Emily Chepkemoi, who won the women’s race last year, also failed to compete this year.
Chepng’eno, who is based in Keringet, Nakuru County, won the women’s 42km race in two hours, 26 minutes and 22 seconds ahead of Sheila Chebichii (2:26:54) and Gladys Koech (2:29:55).
Former Africa Games 10,000m champion Chepng’eno said she struggled in the race but employed searing pace at the 30km to win.
Viola Chepng'eno (right) and other athletes compete in the Eldoret City Marathon in Uasin Gishu County on April 27, 2025.
“My training went well, but it was after the 30km that I took charge and controlled the race. The last few kilometres proved difficult but I maintained the lead and won,” said Chepng’eno.
In men’s race, Kipruto, who finished ninth in Daegu Marathon in January crossed the line in 2:11:12, with Geoffrey Chirchir timing 2:11:56 while Timothy Kipchumba was third in 2:12:08.
Meanwhile, Eldoret City Marathon signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Great Ethiopian Run on Saturday with a view to promoting athletics in Kenya and Ethiopia.
As per the MoU, organisers of the two races will engage in cross promotion of races in the two countries, sending staff members on exchange programmes in the two races, and participation by elite athletes in the two races.
Principal Secretary of Sports Elijah Mwangi who witnessed the signing ceremony, said it marks the start of a journey by the two countries to share ideas and promote athletics talents right from the grassroots.
