By Eldoret Leo 
Motorists in Eldoret have been advised to prepare for significant traffic disruptions this Saturday, April 26, as the 7th edition of the Eldoret City Marathon takes over major sections of the town.
According to an official advisory, several key roads will be partially closed for approximately six hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, to allow for the safe passage of runners and spectators.
The marathon, which continues to grow as one of Kenya’s premier athletics events, will see participants move through various parts of the town and surrounding estates, affecting both major highways and internal service lanes.
The following roads will experience temporary closures or controlled traffic flow:
- Nairobi Road
- Kisumu Road
- Iten Road
- Turbo Road
- Kaptagat Road
- Kiplombe Road
- Eldoret town service roads
Authorities have clarified that closures will not be blanket shutdowns but will be implemented in phases depending on the movement of athletes along the race route. This means some sections may reopen earlier as runners progress.
The race is expected to start at White Highlands Inn and finish near the Tuc Center, cutting across key parts of Eldoret’s central business district and nearby residential areas.
Multiple race categories will be featured, including:
- Full marathon (42.195 km)
- 10 km fun run
- 1-mile race
All categories will share sections of the same route at different intervals, increasing the scale of traffic management required.
While the temporary closures may inconvenience motorists and businesses, the marathon remains a major economic and branding event for Eldoret, reinforcing its identity as the “City of Champions.” The event attracts elite athletes, visitors, and media attention, offering both short-term disruptions and long-term gains in visibility and tourism.
Motorists are advised to plan their routes in advance, allow extra travel time, and follow directions from traffic marshals on the ground.
The success of the event will largely depend on public cooperation, as Eldoret once again hosts one of Africa’s most prestigious road races.
Robert Mutasi