KERICHO, Kenya, Aug 19 – More than 5,000 runners are expected to descend on Belgut in Kericho County on Sunday, August 23, for the 2026 edition of the Belgut Half Marathon.
As thousands of runners take to the roads against the backdrop of Kericho’s famous tea plantations, the 2026 Belgut Half Marathon promises not only fast times and fierce competition, but also a lasting impact on the lives of children in need.
The race, founded by Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, combines elite athletics with a noble cause, raising funds for bursaries and educational scholarships for bright, needy, orphaned and vulnerable students.
The 21km race carries a top prize of Sh500,000, with cash awards extending to the 10th position in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Participants will compete in three categories: the 21km half marathon, 10km race and 5km community fun run.
Koech, an athletic enthusiast and the event’s patron, said beyond the competition, the Belgut Half Marathon is designed to use the power of athletics to transform lives through education.
“Set in the highlands of Kericho County, Belgut Constituency is home to some of the most beautiful tea plantations in the world. The rolling green hills and crisp mountain air make it a perfect setting for a world-class marathon,” said Koech.
“It is more than a run; it is a movement to support needy, orphaned and vulnerable children through education at the Starehe Boys’ and Girls’ Centre and across the constituency.”
The 10km category will also offer an attractive purse, with the winner taking home Sh100,000, while the second- and third-place finishers
will receive Sh75,000 and Sh50,000, respectively. The event has already attracted a strong field of elite athletes, with Sandra Felis Chebet, Diana Chekemoi, Miriam Chebet, Edwin Bett,
Leonard Barsoton and Kyumbe Munguti among the runners registered to compete.
The 2025 edition was won by Nicholas Kimeli, who claimed the men’s 21km title ahead of Justus Kiprop of Iten, with Wesley Yego finishing third.
Aisha Cheptengeny emerged victorious in the women’s 21km race.
This year’s event is set to receive an added boost with the expected presence of guests of some of Kenya’s biggest athletics names, including Faith Kipyegon, Eliud Kipchoge, Sheila Chepkurui, Timothy Cheruiyot, Mercy Cherono and Ferguson Rotich, among others.
