Competitors of the Eldoret City Marathon 2022 edition will be given their cash awards on Friday, organisers have announced Monday morning.

The winners of the marathon held on April 10 will receive Sh3.5 million, while the top 20 finishers will also be rewarded.

Race director Moses Tanui has said the delay was due to technical issues.

“I want to tell the athletes that it was not our intention to delay the prize money. I know how it feels when one is waiting to be paid after competing. There were technical issues which affected the whole process but on Friday evening we will settle the rewards,” said Tanui in Monday press briefing - in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Despite the financial challenges, Tanui said they are determined to host a successful edition this year.

“The marathon will continue because it is already in the calendar, it is a platform for the young upcoming athletes to show what they can before rising to higher levels."

During last year's event, Victor Kipchirchir won the men's race title in 2:13:10, Michael Mutai clocked 2:13:23 to finish second while Josphat Bett sealed the podium positions in 2:13:58.

In the women's category, Emily Chebet won the race in 2:29:57 ahead of Shyline Jepkorir who needed 2:30:13 to finish, while Lilian Jelagat came home third in 2:30:23.