Birir: Chemususu Dam half marathon will be bigger, better

Some of the registered athletes, race officials, sponsors and partners during the launch of Chemususu Dam Half Marathon. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Expect a bigger show this year, organisers of the 2023 Chemususu Half Marathon have promised, ahead of the November 11 race.

Teams tasked with delivering the eighth edition of the 21km competition and the 5km corporate race said the 2023 showdown will live up to its billing.

Race organiser Mathew Birir, the 1992 Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion said all was set as close to 500 athletes contest for the Half Marathon’s Sh250,000 top prize.

Birir assured participants that the contest at the eighth edition would be more exhilarating.

“The preparations are at an advanced stage. Everything is going on well and we are ready to stage the race,” the retired steeplechaser said yesterday.

He said more athletes are expected to compete in this year’s edition compared to previous events.

A day to next weekend's showdown, Birir said a medical camp and a farmers’ field day in Chemususu, Baringo County had been organised as precursor to the main event.

Birir said the organising team is planning to set up a bigger 5km fun race.

The Half Marathon is themed around the conservation of Chemususu Dam in Eldama Ravine.

“Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed his participation in the event. He will be running the 5km fun race,” he said.

The 1990 World 3,000m steeplechase champion said 1500m and The Mile World Record holder Faith Kipyegon had confirmed that she would be using the Saturday event to launch her girl child empowerment initiative.

“Faith Kipyegon, who is the race ambassador, will be sensitising young girls on menstrual hygiene. At the same time she (Faith) will be distributing sanitary towels to the girls," said Birir.

“Our farmers will be taught best practices because they are the major stakeholders in conservation, which is our major cause."

Apart from conservation, the organiser said the race will support community efforts in establishment of sports facilities, agribusiness, health and education.

Emmanuel Kemboi and Daisy Cherotich took the top honors in last year’s half marathon.

Kemboi ran 63:46, beating Jackson Kipleting and Bernard Kipleting who came in second and third.

Contestants in the men’s 21km race will be contending with Kemboi, the defending champion, who confirmed his participation late last month in Nairobi.

The race made a comeback last year after a two-year hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The 2023 Chemususu Half marathon will be happening a day before another major extravaganza – the Iten International Marathon, on November 12. [Stephen Rutto]