Munguti, Chebet lead star-studded Belgut Half Marathon field

More than 5,000 runners will descend on Belgut in Kericho County on Sunday, August 23, for the 2026 edition of the Belgut Half Marathon.

As thousands of athletes hit the roads framed by Kericho’s iconic tea plantations, the race promises fast times, fierce competition, and a lasting impact on vulnerable children.

Founded by Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech, the race blends elite athletics with a mission to raise funds for bursaries and educational scholarships for bright, needy, orphaned, and vulnerable students.

“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.”

Athletes will compete across three categories —the signature 21km half marathon, a 10km race, and a 5km community fun run.

The 21km race boasts a top prize of Ksh 500,000, with payouts extending through the top 10 finishers in both the men’s and women’s fields.

The 10km category carries a KSh 100,000 top prize, while second- and third-place finishers will earn KSh 75,000 and KSh 50,000, respectively.

Elite contenders Sandra Felis Chebet, Diana Chekemoi, Miriam Chebet, Edwin Bett, Leonard Barsoton, and Kyumbe Munguti are already locked in to compete.

They follow in the footsteps of 2025 champions Nicholas Kimeli—who won the men's 21km title over Iten’s Justus Kiprop and Wesley Yego—and Aisha Cheptengeny, who claimed the women’s crown.

Adding even more star power to the 2026 staging, Kenyan distance legends Faith Kipyegon, Eliud Kipchoge, Sheila Chepkurui, Timothy Cheruiyot, Mercy Cherono, and Ferguson Rotich are expected to attend as special guests.