Vivo Energy boost for Kakamega Forest race

Stephen Gikonyo (left) of Vivo Energy and Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation Officials Dr Florence Mulira (Centre) and Bright Shitemi yesterday. [Wilberforce Okwiri]

Kakamega Forest Marathon to be run on November 30 has received a Sh500,000 boost from Vivo Energy Kenya.

This year is the sixth edition of the marathon and over 1200 runners are expected to compete in 42km, 21km and 15km races.

The marathon will follow a breath-taking route through the heart of Kakamega Forest. 

Runners will range from professional athletes to passionate running enthusiasts. Kakamega Forest marathon is a breeding ground for athletes who end up becoming world champions.

Brigid Kosgei, who won the 2018 and 2019 Chicago Marathons and the 2019 London Marathon is also the record holder of 2018 Kakamega Forest 21km women race.

Proceeds from the marathon last year was used to buy 18, 000 indigenous tree seedlings, that were planted this year during the long rains of March to April.

Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony at Vivo Energy Kenya offices, Hannington Kimathi of Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation said: “The Kakamega Forest Marathon is part of a wider project to sensitise the world on the need to protect the indigenous forest.”