Preparations for First Lady Half Marathon intensify

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta led hundreds of Kenyans to launch the registration for the second edition of First Lady’s Nairobi Half Marathon at karura forest. The marathon, slated for March 8th, 2015, is aimed at raising awareness and funds through her “Beyond Zero” campaign to increase support for maternal hearth care

With only 12 days away from the 2015 First Lady's Half Marathon, preparations for the race are in top gear.

The 21km race for both men and women will be flagged off at 7am outside Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi March 8, 2015 with the 10km runners hitting the tarmac 45 minutes later. The 2km 'Champions Race' will start at 9am.

This year, the event will also include wheelchair and tricycle racers who will be first off the blocks at 6.30am. The First Lady Margaret Kenyatta will once more run in the 21km race, where she is expected to be joined by over 10,000 elite and non-elite runners.

According to the Race Organiser, Peter Gacheru of IMG Kenya, all systems are in place for the race. "We have marked the route with AK and the Traffic Police, we have mapped out the first aid and water points and we planning an exiting Expo one week before the race," he said.

As she did last year, Mrs Kenyatta moved her training to the high altitude Kaptagat region in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Under the guidance of the 1987 world marathon champion Douglas Wakiihuri, she covered a total of 15km in the scenic Kaptagat forest demonstrating her endurance and determination when she covered the 7.5km from Kaptagat junction heading in and back to the starting point.

"Our training kicked off well after running the 15km today. The First Lady has clearly showed she is capable and fit for the race on March 8, 2015," Wakihuri said.

According to Wakihuri, their training programme will enable the First Lady gain the endurance necessary for the half marathon.

"In 2014, we completed the half marathon in 3 hours 43 minutes, we would like to better that time, although our main goal is to finish the race. I hope all the other participants are also training well to avoid injury"

Two-time Boston marathon winner Moses Tanui welcomed the First Lady's idea to train in the region saying it acknowledges the importance of the region in terms of athletic development.

"We will give her the support she deserves towards her worthy cause in ensuring the health of our mothers and children," Tanui said.