In less than two weeks, long distance athletes will gather for another thrilling Iten international marathon.

Excitement is already building up as organisers promise a bigger marathon and more exhilaration as they gear up for the 2024 edition set for November 24.

The inaugural and second editions produced new champions who stylishly walked away with the Sh1 million winning prizes.

But aside from the big prize, the race has all been about the pride of conquering a course where a huge number of the world’s marathon greats prepare for global contests.

Standard Sport looks at what the athletes and athletics enthusiasts are looking forward to on November 24.

An exciting 42km course

Athletes have in the last two editions described the high altitude course that starts in Chororget, with the finish line in Iten, as tough and requiring rigorous preparations.

For the last two editions, athletes raced for glory on the picturesque high-altitude Elgeyo Marakwet course.

The course is among several routes that have produced a big number of distance runners and has earned Iten the status of the Mecca of global athletics.

“The course has many up and downhill sections and for me, that was an advantage; It was one of the best buildups for an athlete to gain strength in long-distance running,” Former Zagreb Spring Half Marathon winner Samuel Naibei, who was the winner of the inaugural edition in 2022, previously said about the course.

The course is designed to showcase the magnificent Kerio escarpments, the Kerio Valley and beautiful Baringo hills.

Running with champions

The 2024 edition, according to organisers, will retain the 42km and 10km competitive races and a 5km corporate run.

They have designed the event to give budding long distance athletes, fun runners and enthusiasts a platform to run with champions.

“Run with the champions during the third edition. It will be more exciting and athletes are registering in our Ward offices,” Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said.

The Governor said participants and athletics fans will experience moments with Elgeyo Marakwet champions.

Legends such as two-time Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi and track star Daniel Komen, have been among legends spotted in the previous editions.

Running fans

During last year’s edition, several athletics enthusiasts were spotted running alongside athletes as they cheered.

Fans, who ran alongside participants in the last two editions are expected to fill the sidelines of the 42km and 10km courses once more.

Elizabeth Kiprono, who ran alongside the winner of the men’s marathon Luke Kiprop, rose to fame and was awarded a 55-inch TV by an electronics dealer.

Iten grounds celebrations

Just next to the finish line of the marathon sits an expansive Iten playground which has traditionally played host to the event’s celebrations.

It is at the playgrounds that the race’s sponsors and thousands of fans welcome the champions.