1,500 runners to battle for honours in Family Bank Half Marathon

Over 1500 athletes will take part in the 10th edition of Family Bank Half Marathon on Sunday in Eldoret.

Winners in both the men’s and women’s categories will earn Sh500,000, while second and third place finishers will pocket Sh300,000 and Sh200,000 respectively. The organisers have doubled the prize money for this year’s race in a bid to attract more big names.

The race’s Local Organising Committee chairman Major (rtd) Charles Chesire said he expects tough races in both categories.

“Most athletes especially those who have made it to the world stage will be eager to compete this year because of the lucrative earnings,” Chesire said in Eldoret.

“Registration closes on Saturday at 4pm. We were over 1000 participants as at Friday morning and we expect to hit 2000.”

He added that more monitors have been introduced on the course to curb cheating. The course has been slightly changed to ensure the race meets IAAF standards.

The race will end outside Zion Mall and not the traditional Family Bank’s Eldoret CBD Branch. Family Bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Carole Gichuru said the race has grown in leaps over the years calling on more athletes to register.

“The registration fee will go into establishment of an educational centre in Uasin Gishu,” Gichuru said.

“We’re not only nurturing talent but also reaching out to help children realise their academic dreams,” she said.

Sammy Kirui won the men's race in 63:31 minutes last year as Caroline Chepchir claimed top honours in the women's race in 74:01 minutes. Their times were the fastest ever recorded on the course.

The two will however not defend their titles. Marathoners Benard Koech, Laban Mutai and Lucas Rotich are some of the favourites in this year's race.