More than 5,000 runners have registered for the Belgut Marathon 2026, with preparations in top gear ahead of Sunday’s race at Kabianga High School in Belgut Constituency, Kericho County.
The marathon, sponsored by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, will be held on August 23 and is expected to attract athletes from across the region and beyond, as well as residents taking part in the community race.
At the heart of the event is an education drive aimed at raising funds to support bright, needy, orphaned and vulnerable students in Belgut Constituency. The initiative seeks to help learners overcome financial barriers and remain in school.
Part of the funds raised will go towards improving school infrastructure, including the construction of essential facilities such as dormitories at Belgut Taptugen Starehe Boys Centre and Belgut Starehe Girls Centre.
The marathon also seeks to empower young people by creating a platform where sport can be used to transform lives and expand access to quality education. Organisers hope the initiative will encourage greater community participation in supporting learners and nurturing their potential.
At the same time, the race will provide a platform for athletes to showcase their abilities through the 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre categories, bringing together elite, competitive and recreational runners.
The 21-kilometre Half Marathon, the main competitive race, will start at Taplotin Shopping Centre and is expected to attract seasoned and elite athletes. The 10-kilometre race will cater for intermediate and competitive runners seeking to test their endurance.
The 5-kilometre Community Fun Run will provide an inclusive option for beginners, families and other members of the public. It will start at Nyabangi Shopping Centre and finish at Kabianga High School.
A Sh4.92 million prize has been set aside for the different categories, with the first 10 finishers in each race expected to receive rewards. The prize structure is intended to attract competitive athletes while giving emerging runners an opportunity to earn recognition.
Belgut runners will have a special incentive, with the top 10 men and women from the constituency set to be rewarded. The leading Belgut male and female athletes will each receive Sh100,000, giving local talent an opportunity to compete for significant prizes on home ground.
Preparations at Kabianga High School are progressing, with event’s infrastructure base being installed ahead of the race. Organisers have also completed route surveys, venue mapping and security assessments to identify potential challenges and put appropriate measures in place.
Speaking during the preparations, Wanjala Doronew, Assistant County Commissioner for Belgut Division, said security teams were ready to ensure the marathon runs smoothly, urging participants and spectators to cooperate with authorities throughout the event.
“We have assessed the routes and the venues and put the necessary security measures in place. Our priority is to ensure that athletes, spectators and everyone attending the marathon are safe. We are calling on the public to cooperate with security officers so that we can have a successful and peaceful event,” Doronew said.
The strong response from the public has prompted organisers to extend the registration period after overwhelming demand from runners. With the participation figure already exceeding 5,000, the event is expected to create a major sporting spectacle in Belgut.
Registered participants will collect their T-shirts and running numbers from Thursday at 9 a.m. to Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Sosiot NG-CDF Office and Immanuel AGC in Kericho Town. Elite athletes will collect their kits on Saturday, while buses will be available from the designated collection points to ferry runners to their starting areas.
The Belgut marathon is shaping up as more than a race, combining athletics, youth empowerment and education support under one initiative. Every stride will contribute to a wider goal of opening opportunities for disadvantaged learners while giving athletes a stage to compete and shine.
By Faith Chelang’at and Monica Irua
