Kalenjin Marathon Collective Launches Athlete Welfare Fund Amid Retirement Crisis

A coalition of 47 elite Kalenjin marathoners—including past Boston and NYC winners—launched the Athletes’ Sunset Fund on April 12, 2025, in Eldoret to support retired runners facing financial hardship and health complications. Spearheaded by 2017 Boston winner Geoffrey Kirui, the initiative raised KSh 120 million in seed funding from athlete contributions, Safaricom, and international partners. The fund provides medical insurance, vocational training (e.g., coaching, agribusiness), and housing grants. We run for glory, but too many end up forgotten, Kirui said at the launch. The move follows a 2024 study by Moi University revealing 68% of retired elite runners earn less than KSh 15,000/month. Athletics Kenya pledged to integrate the model nationally.