The Eldoret City Marathon may soon attract more athletes after organisers announced a possible increase in the prize money from next.
Race director Moses Tanui said many corporates have shown interest in sponsoring the race hence the planned prize money increment.
"We have received a lot of sponsorship from corporates which has made us think of increasing the prize which will be in our next edition," two-time Boston marathon champion said.
Tanui, the first athlete to run a half marathon under one hour, also encouraged as many runners as possible to register for this year's edition, set for April 12 in Eldoret.
Other than monetary benefits, Tanui said the road race offers a platform for unknown athletes to market their skills to talent scouts and managers.
"Those without managers have an opportunity to be spotted by sports management agencies during the event. Fans should also prepare to watch a more thrilling race this year," he said.
However, Tanui issued a stern warning to would-be dopers saying all winners will go stringent tests before receiving their prize monies.
"We give stern warning to those who think they will come and run this race without a doping test. We want our race to be of high standard like any other international marathon," Tanui said.
Deputy governor Daniel Chemno exalted the annual race for exposing many athletes and subsequently earning them great opportunities to compete internationally.
"Through this marathon many talents have been discovered and many athletes have got opportunities to compete in international races as world beaters in marathons," Chemno said.
He also lauded the organisers for making climate change a central theme of the race.
The two were speaking during a cheque handover ceremony in Eldoret on Friday morning.
So far, athletes from 10 countries worldwide have registered for the race.
