Arrival of 300 road runners boost to tourism

Malindi's tourism sector has received a major boost following the arrival of 300 participants for the 2015 Pan African Run also known as the Red Dress Race.

According to Joseph Kamau, chairperson of the Pan African Run Kenya Chapter, some 1,000 participants, from over 20 countries, are expected during this year's run which will take place between July 31 and August 2.

The Charity Run was started in Malaysia 90 years ago as a way of raising funds for a worthy cause while sharing drinks with like minded people.

One of the unique activities of the Red Dress Race is that participants, described as "runners with a passion for drinking" must run approximately 30 kilometres daily before hopping into all entertainment joints in the town to have a drink of their choice.

Red dress

These activities take place when all participants are dressed in red.

Speaking during the flagging off last Friday, Deputy Governor, Kenneth Kamto commended the participants for having faith in the county's security.

He asked the guests to freely sample the region's beauty by visiting major tourism attraction sites even as they run and raise money for charity.