Africa-Press – Kenya. More than 3, 000 athletes are expected to take part in the inaugural Maragoli Hills Forest Marathon scheduled for February 1 in Vihiga County.
The chairman of the organising committee, Victor Enzoveri, said registration is ongoing. Athletes participating in the 42 km race will pay Sh1, 000 while the registration fee for the 21 km and 10 km is Sh500.
“The registration kicked off in the Vihiga County Commissioner’s office and other government administration offices. However, we are working with Athletics Kenya to have the registration rolled out in other parts of the country,” said Enzoveri.
The race was founded by the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is the patron. Legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge is the race ambassador.
Speaking to the Star, Enzoveri said the race is aimed at raising funds to restore Maragoli Hills Forest.
“Proceeds from the race will be channelled towards reforestation efforts,” added Enzoveri. On January 31, a pre-race event will take place, during which more than 20,000 seedlings will be planted at Maragoli Hills Forest.
The event will feature three main categories, which include 42 km, 21km, and 10 km races, said Enzoveri.
Organisers have set aside Sh12 million for cash awards. The full marathon will start at Boyani on the Kisumu-Vihiga road and finish at Vihiga Boys High School.
The winners in the 42 km race will walk home with Sh1 million, with the first runners-up getting Sh700,000, while the second runners-up will be awarded Sh500,000.
In the 21 km race, winners will get Sh500, 000 while second-placed athletes will receive Sh300, 000 and third-placed runners Sh200, 000.
The winners of the 10 km race will go home with Sh100, 000, runners up Sh80, 000 and third placed Sh60, 000. Enzoveri said the top 30 athletes in the three categories will be awarded.
“With the attractive cash prizes, we expect top marathoners to grace the event. This is a good race for them to start their season,” he added.
The race is sponsored by the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Pepsi, West Kenya Sugar, and St John’s Ambulance.
