This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
On Sunday, over 4,000 athletes will gather in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County for the 12th edition of the Kass Marathon, a highly anticipated event that has been categorized as the hardest in Kenya.
The marathon, which starts in Kapsabet in Nandi County and ends at the Eldoret Sports Club, has attracted both elite and upcoming athletes who will be using the race as part of their build-up for major events next season.
Competitors will be vying for top spots in the 42km race, the newly introduced 21km race, and the 5km fun and corporate races, with the winners in the 42km race set to take home Sh1.5 million.
According to organizers, the 21km race is expected to start at Koitalel Samoei University College in Nandi County, with the winner receiving Sh350,000.
Notable athletes who have participated in the Kass Marathon in the past include Chicago Marathon champion Lawrence Cherono, former Boston Marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai, and newly crowned Frankfurt Marathon champion Valary Aiyabei.
Aiyabei, who has participated in the Kass Marathon three times, credits the event with giving her the opportunity to be identified by her current management.
"I will be running in the race on Sunday just to motivate the upcoming athletes. I started in this race and I'm happy after winning in 2015, I was contracted by Adidas who have been sponsoring me up to date," said Aiyabei.
She urged athletes not to give up, no matter how hard the race may be.
"Kenyans are really tough and this is the best race to get management for an upcoming athlete. For elite athletes, they use such races to train and it's always good to gauge your performance," said Aiyabei.
Chicago Marathon champion Lawrence Cherono, who competed in the 2010 and 2011 editions, echoed Aiyabei's sentiments, praising the Eldoret marathon as a valuable training ground for athletes.
"I participated in 2010 and 2011 and I must say that the course is good for preparations ahead of major events. I would personally advise athletes to always participate in the local races," said Cherono.
Preparations for the race are complete, according to Kass Media Group CEO Julius Lamaon, who expects a large turnout compared to previous editions.
"After the introduction of the new 21km race, we expect large turnout and we are also happy that this year many sponsors came on board. We shall continue working with the athletes as we look forward to better the race in future," said Lamaon.
