All set for the Madoka half marathon

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

The annual Madoka half marathon has raised stakes by announcing prizes worth over two million Kenya shillings to the first ten winners in all categories.

Making the announcement in Nairobi at the Athletics Kenya (AK) headquarters on Wednesday morning was Mr. Dimmy Kisalu who highlighted the importance of the event at the coast region.

“Since its inception eleven years ago, this marathon has grown to greater heights attracting many athletes from across the country and the globe. But our main aim is to develop coastal region athletes. Homegrown talent is important to be tapped and if we find even one, then we take pride in that.

During the last edition we spotted a young man, Fanuel Mkambo who finished third at the big event. We took him to Kapsabet high altitude training camp and from there he has proceeded with his career up to the USA. He recently won the Philadelphia half marathon and has participated in two other races in Canada,” emphasized Mr. Dimmy Kisalu.

Retired Major Marsden Madoka who is the brain child behind this event expressed his delight and urged Athletics Kenya and the Taita county government to invest more in athletics.

“I am proud and thank God for this far we have come, but I think we can do more. Athletics Kenya promised me that they will chip in resources so that we can have a high altitude training camp in Taita. The local government has already given us land there, so we are just waiting for Athletics Kenya to keep their promise. With more training facilities, we shall see many upcoming talents that will go on to break world records from Taita,” Madoka urged and also expressed his concerns over the coast region’s lagging behind in sports especially athletics.

Winners of the marathon which will be held at Ngerenyi on 21st October in both men and women categories of the 21 km will take home half a million Kenya shillings.

The Madoka half marathon is now encouraging more locals to participate in the event aimed at tapping raw talent locally.