The millions that await Geoffrey Kamworor, Alexander Mutiso & co at 2024 London Marathon

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The millions that await Geoffrey Kamworor, Alexander Mutiso & co at 2024 London Marathon

Festus Chuma 08:24 - 06.04.2024

The runners stand to make up millions if they win the grueling race, with equal prize money for all elite athletes.

Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor, Alexander Mutiso Munyao, Peres Jepchirchir, and Brigid Kosgei are among the top names expected to shine at the 2024 London Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, 21 April.

In a historic move, the marathon will be the first in the world to offer equal prize money distribution between able-bodied athletes and wheelchair racers, setting a new standard in the sporting world.

The 2024 London Marathon is not only a showcase of endurance and speed but also a testament to the event's commitment to equality and inclusivity. 

With a prize pot of £243,000 (equivalent to Ksh 39,718,124) for the elite men’s and women’s able-bodied races as well as the men’s and women’s wheelchair races, the winners will take home £44,000 (Ksh 7,191,759) each. 

The marathon, which weaves through London’s most iconic landmarks, returns to its traditional April slot, reinstating its position as a spring highlight in the athletic calendar. 

The race's course remains largely unchanged since its inception in 1981, starting from the south of Greenwich and culminating in the famous finish on The Mall near Buckingham Palace. 

This scenic and historically rich route promises not only a competitive race but also an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.

The 2024 edition of the London Marathon holds a mix of anticipation and reverence, particularly in the men's event, which is shadowed by the loss of Kelvin Kiptum, the 2023 champion, who passed away in February.

His memory is expected to inspire a spirited competition among the elite athletes, including Kenya’s own Daniel Kibet Mateiko, who is set to make his debut.

The women’s race features a formidable lineup of Kenyan athletes, including Brigid Kosgei, the fourth-fastest woman of all time, and Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning Olympic champion. 

The London Marathon’s commitment to equal prize money is a significant step forward in the sport, according to race organizers.

"We have made great strides in recent years towards our ambition to make the TCS London Marathon the most diverse and equitable marathon in the world and this is another important step towards achieving that goal,"said London Marathon Event Director Hugh Brasher in a past interview.

While the prize money at the London Marathon may not match the sums offered at some other iconic sporting events, such as the Boston Marathon where winners receive $55,000 (Ksh7.3 million), the decision to offer equal prize money is seen as a progressive move that could set a precedent for other international marathons.

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