Sandra Felis, Kyumbe Munguti lead star-studded field as over 5,000 runners gear up for Belgut Half Marathon

More than 5,000 runners are set to participate in the 2026 Belgut Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday, August 23 in Kericho County. The race, founded by Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, aims to combine elite athletics with a noble cause. The money raised will go towards providing bursaries and educational scholarships for bright, needy, orphaned, and vulnerable students.

Koech, the event's patron, emphasizes that the race is about more than just competition; it seeks to transform lives through education. Set in the highlands of Kericho County, the stunning tea plantations provide the perfect backdrop for the race. Koech stated that Belgut Constituency is home to some of the world's most beautiful tea plantations, with rolling green hills and crisp mountain air, making it an ideal location for a world-class marathon.

The event will feature three categories: the 21km half marathon, 10km race, and a 5km community fun run. The top prize for the half marathon is KSh500,000, with additional cash awards for the 10th place finishers in both the men's and women's categories. The 10km category offers a prize of KSh100,000 to the winner, with second and third place receiving KSh75,000 and KSh50,000, respectively.

Pre-race excitement is building as the event has attracted a star-studded field of elite athletes. Competing in the 2026 Belgut Half Marathon are notable figures such as Sandra Felis Chebet, Diana Chekemoi, Miriam Chebet, Edwin Bett, Leonard Barsoton, and Kyumbe Munguti. Notable guests, including Kenya's top athletics names like Faith Kipyegon, Eliud Kipchoge, Sheila Chepkurui, Timothy Cheruiyot, Mercy Cherono, and Ferguson Rotich, are also expected to attend.