When he finished second at the 2024 Eldoret City Marathon, Felix Kipsang Mutai was a little-known athlete.

Mutai was closely behind three-time champion Victor Kipchirchir.

But Mutai is returning to the streets of Eldoret for the 2025 edition set for April 27, with a keen eye on clinching victory.

Mutai, who comes from Burnt Forest in Uasin Gishu and trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County says he is coming back to the race that made him a star. Mutai told Standard Sports that Eldoret City Marathon, which is entering its sixth edition, has attracted athletes who are in their best shape and that he should prepare well.

“Last edition, I finished in the second position and this year, I am back to try to win the title. Although my main focus is to go for victory, defending my second place will also be a great achievement for me,” Mutai said in an interview.

The second place in 2024, Mutai says, endeared him to sports management and he signed a contract. He says his performance in the race run in the City of Champions earned global recognition and status.

“I didn’t have a manager when I competed in the Eldoret City marathon last year, but the race gave me a name and a management. I can say Eldoret City marathon made me a star.

“I’m urging athletes who are training but are not under any management to register for this year’s edition and be spotted,” said Mutai.

The runner-up said appreciated organisers of the race, saying it had given numerous local and international marathoners the exposure they dearly yearn for as they train.

He had gone ahead to place fourth at the 2024 Casablanca Marathon in Morocco on October 27. “This is a race that is being run at home. Many participants will need a small amount of bus fare to come and prove their mettle. Athletes train as they prepare for competitions, but you can’t get the opportunity to compete in races abroad before testing your potential and tactical skills in a race staged in Kenya,” Mutai said.

To make his breakthrough at last year’s Eldoret City Marathon, Mutai used his Sh1.5 million prize money to buy land.

“I bought land from last year’s prize money, and this year, I hope to be among the top so that I can build a good house on the plot I acquired with last year’s earnings. I am only praying that I remain in good shape, free of an injury,” he said.

He added: “My plan at the onset of the season was to take part in the Rotterdam Marathon on April 13, but I decided to focus on Eldoret City marathon to test my resilience.”

Race organisers are pulling all stops for an internationally recognised marathon status in the 2025 edition.

Athletics enthusiasts who have over the years thronged the city to cheer athletics stars have been sight to behold.

The fans will have an exciting experience to follow the 2025 London marathon moments after the champions of the Eldoret showpiece have crossed the finish line.

Also unique in this year’s edition is the Great Ethiopian Run’s choice to kick off celebrations for its 25 years from Eldoret.

A heavy presence of Ethiopia will be part of the aspects that will electrify Eldoret on April 27, just hours after the two races have signed a partnership that is set to further raise Eldoret City Marathon’s profile.