The 6th edition of the Eldoret City Marathon, held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, ended in thrilling fashion as Edwin Tuitoek Kipruto and Viola Chepng’eno claimed top honors in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
Kipruto Triumphs on Home Ground
Kipruto, a rising star from Kaptagat, clocked an impressive 2:11:12 to win the men’s 42km race. He edged out Geoffrey Chirchir by 44 seconds, with Timothy Kipchumba rounding out the podium in 2:12:08.
Speaking after the race, Kipruto credited his victory to meticulous planning and the motivation to excel on familiar turf.
“I had prepared well, and my target was the podium. Running at home, with good prize money at stake, pushed me to give my best,” Kipruto said.
He added that he made his decisive move at the 15km mark, capitalizing on a slight drop in pace to surge ahead.
Chepng’eno Dominates Women’s Race
In the women’s marathon, Viola Chepng’eno, the former Boston Half Marathon champion, put on a dominant display, finishing in 2:26:22.
Sheila Chebichii followed closely in 2:26:54, with Gladys Koech securing third place at 2:29:55.
Chepng’eno attributed her success to her vast road running experience and the help of a strong pacemaker.
“After 30km, it became tough, but I used my experience to control my speed and maintain my lead. My pacemaker played a big role in pushing me to the title,” she shared.
Over 1,500 Participants and Big Rewards
The Eldoret City Marathon 2025 attracted over 1,500 participants from across Kenya and beyond. Both Kipruto and Chepng’eno earned a hefty KSh 3.5 million each for their victories.
Second-place finishers took home KSh 1.5 million, while third place earned KSh 1 million.
This year’s edition once again reaffirmed Eldoret’s status as the City of Champions, with the marathon cementing its reputation as a premier event for elite runners seeking competition, prestige, and lucrative prizes.
A Bright Future Ahead
Kipruto and Chepng’eno’s wins not only bolster their athletic profiles but also set them up for potential international appearances. Their commanding performances at the Eldoret City Marathon 2025 highlight Kenya’s continued dominance in long-distance running on the global stage.
As the marathon grows in stature, it continues to attract bigger fields, faster times, and greater attention — promising an even brighter future for this iconic race in the heart of Eldoret.
