9th edition of Chemususu half marathon has been launched in
Eldma Revine, Baringo county set to take place on Saturday Novermber 11th
.
Race director Mathew Birir said that
they have received massive registration and believe it will be very
competitive.
The former Olympic Games 3,000m
steeplechase champion Birir said that this year’s edition has attracted top
cooperates and athletes who will be involved in various activities before the race.
“We are anticipating a big number of
athletes between 500 and 1,000 because this is the best half marathon race so
far in the country,” said Birir, who also won the world junior 3,000m
steeplechase title.
He said that the event will involve
running and the conservation of the Chemususu Dam among other events to the
society.
“We shall start our activities by
sensitising the locals on agribusiness because we need athletes to eat well
before running, free medical camp and distribution of sanitary towels as a way
of creating awareness to the community to conserve the forest as well as the
dam,” Added Birir.
He also said that top three athletes
in last year’s event led by Emmanuel Kemboi and Daisy Cherotich were been
handed a wild card to compete this year.
“This is a great offer for us as
race organizers to honour the champions where their registration will be free.
This is to motivate them to come, run to retain their titles,” said Birir.
However, Birir said that the race
has been growing yearly with many sponsors coming on board to ensure the
running and training environment for athletes.
He added that the prize money will
remain as the past years but optimistic they will increase in the ner
future.
“For now, the winner, for both men
and women will pocket Kshs 250,000 followed by kshs 150,000 and kshs 100,000
for second and third finishers respectively. We shall award up to the 10th
finisher with Kshs 10,000," Said Birir.