Africa-Press – Kenya. The organisers of the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon are targeting between 15,000 and 20,000 runners even as the event is pushed to July 2.
The event was initially set for May 21 at the Nyayo Stadium. Race director Ibrahim Hussein said the postponement was informed by a number of reasons, including a collision with the annual Mater Heart Run.
“Even though the Mater Heart Run is not on the Athletics Kenya calendar of events, it is worth all the respect it can get now that it is held for a very noble course,” Hussein observed.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday morning, Hussein said last year’s event attracted close to 10,000 runners and they can only hope to double that.
“We are targeting 15,000-20,000 athletes this year. We had about 10,000 last year. And even though we call the event a marathon the categories that attracted most of the runners were the 5km and 10km,” said Hussein.
About 2,500 runners have already enlisted for the event and Hussein revealed that the organisers will refund registration fees for those whose schedule will be in conflict with the new date.
Registration is open for both online and physical entries for 42km (Sh1500), 21km (Sh1200), 10km (Sh1000) and 5km (Sh500). Foreign runners will pay 90, 60, 40 and 20 dollars.
In addition, Hussein said they are targeting some of the country’s top marathoners, who have been competing in spring marathons, and a July 2 event will accord them enough recovery time.
And with the Kip Keino Classic being held this weekend, Hussein observed that postponing the marathon will give technical officials ample time to readjust.
“Last year it (the marathon) was done just a day after the (Kip Keino) continental event (at Kasarani). It was a logistical nightmare for the organisers. It strained the technical officials as they had to travel to the other side (Nyayo Stadium),” he stated.
The former Boston marathon winner said they believe the extension will also offer the organisers enough time to lure athletes who can add value to the event.
Meanwhile, Hussein said they are working on flaws identified during the inaugural edition including congestion at both the start and finish lines. “However, the course and distance for the race remains the same,” said Hussein.
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