The third edition of the Belgut Marathon has raised Sh51 million to support the education of needy and vulnerable students in Belgut Constituency, Kericho County.
The charity race, held on Sunday at Kabianga High School, attracted more than 25,000 runners and hundreds of thousands of spectators, according to organisers.
The funds will support bursaries and scholarships for needy, orphaned and vulnerable students at the Belgut Starehe Boys’ and Girls’ centres.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who organised the marathon, described the fundraising achievement as the event’s biggest victory.
“I am delighted to announce that, through your collective generosity and support, we raised Sh51 million towards supporting the education of needy and vulnerable students at Belgut Starehe Schools,” Koech said.
“This is a remarkable achievement and a powerful demonstration of what we can accomplish when we come together for our children.”
The marathon featured three race categories — the 21-kilometre half marathon, 10-kilometre race and 5-kilometre community fun run.
Elite athletes, community members, political leaders and other stakeholders participated in the event, which has become a major annual sporting and fundraising activity in the constituency.
Among the notable athletes associated with the event were Sandra Felis Chebet, Diana Chekemoi, Miriam Chebet, Edwin Bett, Leonard Barsoton and Kyumbe Munguti. Athletics stars Eliud Kipchoge and Sheila Chepkurui were also among those in attendance.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the marathon demonstrated the role of sports in promoting youth development and strengthening communities.
“We are investing in sports to nurture talent, empower communities, strengthen cohesion, and create opportunities for young people to realise their full potential,” Murkomen said.
He added that sports could complement government efforts to address social challenges, including drug and substance abuse.
“Sports also complement the fight against drug and substance abuse, aiding security, and advancing national development,” he said.
Murkomen commended Koech for organising what he described as a transformative initiative and congratulated the winners and participants.
He specifically recognised Kiprop Kimutai and Jackline Chepngeno, who emerged winners in their respective categories.
The event was attended by Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi, PSs Raymond Omollo of Internal Security and National Administration and Elijah Mwangi of Sports, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Kericho Governor Eric Mutai and several MPs and MCAs.
Koech thanked sponsors, partners, athletes, Athletics Kenya, medical teams, security personnel, volunteers, organisers, officials, the media and residents for contributing to the event’s success.
“To our distinguished guests, elite athletes, Athletics Kenya, medical teams, security personnel, volunteers, organisers, officials, media and the entire Belgut community, thank you for making the marathon safe, colourful and successful,” he said.
He also thanked God for what he described as a peaceful and successful event.
“KSh 51 million raised for education. That is the true victory of Belgut Marathon 2026,” Koech said.
