Robert Kiprop wins the 2025 Betika Uasin Gishu Half Marathon/HANDOUT.
 Defending champion Robert Kiprop returns to Eldoret on Sunday determined to retain his Betika Uasin Gishu Half Marathon title.

Kiprop heads into the 21km contest as the man to beat after enjoying an impressive run of form.

The 2019 African Games 5,000m champion recently lowered his half marathon personal best to 59:51 at the Berlin Half Marathon in March, underlining his credentials ahead of the race.

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The BingwaFest National Finals 10,000m champion produced a commanding display to win last year's edition in 1:00:56.
However, he was pushed all the way by Peter Tuitoek, who finished just two seconds behind in 1:00:58, while Titus Kiprotich completed the podium in 1:01:05. With the trio returning, another closely fought contest could be on the cards.
The women's race will also attract plenty of attention despite the absence of defending champion Gladys Chepkurui.
Chepkurui claimed last year's title in 1:08:56 after holding off Vivian Cherotich, who clocked 1:10:02, and Christine Ndambi, who finished third in 1:10:27.
Cherotich and Ndambi now have an opportunity to move up the podium should they return, though they are expected to face stiff competition from a strong field chasing the vacant title.
Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti said the continued growth of the race reflects its growing status on Kenya's athletics calendar.

"We are delighted to return to Eldoret for the fourth edition of the Betika Uasin Gishu Half Marathon. There is no better place to stage a race of this calibre than Kenya's home of champions, where running is part of the region's identity and heritage," he said.
"Every year, the event continues to grow, attracting stronger fields and greater participation, which speaks to its importance on the local athletics calendar. We are looking forward to another exciting day of competition and wish all the athletes the very best as they compete for top honours," Mwiti said.
The race will feature men's and women's 21km contests as well as a masters' race for athletes aged 55 and above, with the winners of the men's and women's races each taking home Sh300,000.