All eyes will be on Iten this Sunday, November 30, 2025, as a mix of elite international runners and local hopefuls tackle one of Kenya's most challenging high-altitude races: the Iten International Marathon. While the main event promises a fierce battle for the KES 1 million prize, it is the introduction of a 10km race that is generating a different kind of excitement—a chance to discover the future of Kenyan athletics.

This shorter, faster race is designed as a platform for up-and-coming runners who may not yet have the resources or experience for a full marathon. It provides a vital opportunity for young athletes to test their mettle on a competitive stage, gain crucial experience, and perhaps, catch the eye of scouts and sponsors who flock to the region, known globally as the 'Home of Champions'.

Forging Champions on Sacred Ground

Iten's reputation is almost mythical in the running world. Nestled at 2,400 meters (nearly 8,000 feet) above sea level in Elgeyo Marakwet County, its thin air and unforgiving red-dirt trails create the perfect crucible for forging endurance champions. Training here is a rite of passage, enhancing red blood cell production and giving athletes a significant physiological edge when competing at lower altitudes. The marathon course itself is notoriously difficult, starting at Chororget and featuring a series of punishing hills before finishing in Iten town.

The addition of the 10km race broadens the marathon's impact. It’s a strategic move to ensure the pipeline of talent from this legendary region continues to flow. For many young runners, the KES 100,000 top prize for the 10km race is more than just money; it's an investment in their future—funds for better training gear, nutrition, and the ability to travel for other competitions.

More Than a Race: An Economic Engine

The Iten Marathon is a cornerstone of the county's strategy to boost sports tourism and local economic development. The influx of athletes, support teams, and media provides a significant injection of cash into the local economy, benefiting hotels, food vendors, and transport providers. Past winners have used their prize money to buy land and build homes, creating a tangible link between athletic success and community prosperity.

This year's marathon also carries a deeper meaning. Organizers have confirmed the event will serve as a memorial run, honouring the 41 people who died in mudslides in the county. A tree-planting exercise is also scheduled, aligning with the event's theme of "Running for Climate Resilience."

• **Event Date:** Sunday, November 30, 2025
• **Main Race:** 42.195km Marathon
• **New Addition:** 10km Elite Race
• **Marathon Prize:** KES 1 Million for men's and women's winners.
• **10km Prize:** KES 100,000 for winners.

The World is Watching

The marathon will be broadcast live, bringing the stunning landscapes and fierce competition of Elgeyo Marakwet to a national audience. As established stars like Valary Aiyabei, a previous champion, battle for the top prize, the real story may be unfolding in the 10km race. It is here, on the high-altitude roads of Iten, that Kenya’s next world-beater might just begin their journey.

As Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, the race patron, has previously noted, the event is a fulfillment of a promise to the community—a homegrown initiative to expose and reward local talent. With the world watching, this Sunday is more than a race; it's a declaration that the 'Home of Champions' is actively building its future.