Eldoret: Eldoret City Marathon Management has signed a groundbreaking partnership agreement with the Great Ethiopian Run to support its mission of nurturing and growing young talents and running for climate action.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Eldoret City Race Director Moses Tanui and Dagmawit Amare, the Managing Director of the Great Ethiopian Run. The event was witnessed by State Department for Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, and a delegation of 30 staff members and runners from Addis Ababa who visited Eldoret as part of the partnership agreement. This visit also coincided with their participation in the 6th Edition of the Eldoret City Marathon 2025.
The Sports Principal Secretary praised the collaboration between the two races, highlighting its potential to nurture and support young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds who lack the necessary resources to reach their potential. He emphasized the learning opportunities available from the Great Ethiopian Run, noting the stark difference in participant numbers between the two events.
He assured the winners of the 6th Edition of the Eldoret City Marathon, held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, that the government would sponsor their participation in the Great Ethiopian Run scheduled for November. This initiative aims to provide exposure to young athletes.
Mwangi further assured the winners that their prize money is guaranteed and will be disbursed shortly after clearance from the Anti-doping team. He also reiterated the government's commitment to supporting sports by establishing sports stadia across the country to foster grassroots sporting talent.
Moses Tanui, a celebrated Kenyan athlete from the 1990s and a former world champion, stated that the MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of athletes and event management expertise between the two races. He emphasized the friendship and shared mission to uplift athletics in the region.
The Eldoret City Marathon, known for being one of the highest-paying races in Kenya, features a full marathon of 42 kilometers and a 10km fun race for both men and women.
Dagmawit Amare, Managing Director of the Great Ethiopian Run, praised the deal, noting its potential to boost sports tourism in Eastern Africa while promoting regional peace and unity. She highlighted the significance of the partnership in strengthening ties with Kenyan athletes and enhancing the profile of their events in the region.