Champs to defend titles in Kisumu Marathon

Participants in the Last Years Safaricom Kisumu Marathon held at the Milimani Area in Kisumu. PICTURE BY PHILLIP ORWA

More than 600 athletes are expected to take part in the eighth edition of the Safaricom Kisumu Marathon set for December 14 in the lakeside city.

The showpiece, which comes at a time when most athletes are in their off season, concludes Safaricom Athletics Series 14-tier events across the country. Safaricom yesterday gave the organisers Sh1.5 million as sponsorship for the event.

Boaz Kiprono from Baringo and Nancy Joan Rotich, who are defending champions, will be back for another shot at the title.

"Preparation for the marathon are in top gear and registration is ongoing. We have already invited participants from the six East African countries including Eritrea and Uganda and we hope the turnout will be much higher than last year" said Nyanza North Athletics Kenya Chairman Joseph Ochieng.

Safaricom Sponsorship Manager Angeline Sonje noted "Athletics is becoming a big sport in Nyanza region and this is evident by the number of athletic events taking place each year.

"We are committed to work together with Athletics Kenya and the local organisers of these races to ensure the talented runners have a platform to showcase and nurture their talent."

There will be the main 42km race for both men and women, 42km category for elite and local athletes and 1km to 8km category for veterans and youth.

The race will be flagged off by Kisumu County Governor Jack Ranguma and at Jomo Kenyatta Sports ground.

More than 500 athletes are expected to compete in the race. The western region is known to produce talent in field events and sprints but organisers want to tap in long distance athletes. Winners will get Sh200,000, second-place finishers  Sh100,000 while third place finishers will take home Sh50,000.

AK chairman Isaiah Kiplagat pointed out that dope tests will be mandatory for the athletes who will be taking part in the marathon.

Besides Kisumu City Marathon, Safaricom also sponsors Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Memorial race in Bondo, Kisii Half Marathon, Kebirigo Road race and the First Deaf Marathon, which are all in the wider Nyanza province.