By Eldoret Leo 
Organisers of the Eldoret City Marathon have strongly denied allegations of financial mismanagement, insisting that all funds received through government support and sponsorship arrangements have been properly accounted for.
The response comes amid growing controversy following the exclusion of the annual competition from the Athletics Kenya (AK) calendar of activities, a decision that has triggered debate among athletics stakeholders over the future of the event.
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In an official statement, the organisers dismissed claims surrounding the marathon’s financial management as false and misleading, maintaining that their operations have consistently followed transparency and accountability principles.
“The organisers of the Eldoret City Marathon wish to address false allegations and misleading rumours regarding the financial management of the marathon. We maintain complete transparency, legal compliance, and dedication to the welfare of athletes and vendors,” the statement read.
The organisers further defended their handling of government sponsorship and other financial support, explaining that public funds allocated to categorised athletics events are managed through established financial procedures rather than private accounts belonging to event organisers.
“Under World Athletics regulations, Athletics Kenya (AK) road running rules, and public finance laws, government sponsorship funds allocated for categorised athletic events are never deposited into or managed by the private bank accounts of the Eldoret City Marathon organisers or any private organiser,” they stated.
They maintained that funds received from government and sponsors had been properly accounted for, dismissing suggestions of financial impropriety in the running of the competition.
The statement appears aimed at restoring confidence in the event’s management at a time when its exclusion from the Athletics Kenya calendar has become a major talking point within Kenya’s athletics community.
The Eldoret City Marathon has grown into an important sporting event in the Home of Champions, providing a competitive platform for elite and upcoming athletes while creating business opportunities for vendors and other local enterprises.
Over the years, the competition has also contributed to promoting Eldoret as a major athletics destination, attracting runners, officials and spectators to Uasin Gishu County.
Its removal from the national athletics calendar has therefore raised concerns among athletes and supporters who have benefited from the event.
The organisers’ latest clarification seeks to separate the financial allegations from the wider disagreement surrounding the marathon’s place in Athletics Kenya’s official programme.
However, questions surrounding the exclusion and the relationship between the organisers and Athletics Kenya remain central to the unfolding dispute.
As the controversy continues, athletes and other stakeholders will be hoping for constructive engagement between the parties to safeguard the future of the competition and the opportunities it provides to the athletics community.
The organisers have maintained their position that the marathon’s financial management has been transparent and that the welfare of athletes and vendors remains a priority.
Robert Mutasi 
Baraka Simba