Kenya Pipeline cross country race on tomorrow

Patrick Makau from Kenya celebrates as he wins the Frankfurt Marathon race in Frankfurt, central Germany, Sunday Oct. 28, 2012. Patrick Makau won the Frankfurt marathon in cold and sunny conditions but failed to break his world record on Sunday. The 27-year-old Kenyan crossed the line in an unofficial time of 2 hours, 6 minutes and 12 seconds. Makau was hoping to challenge his world-best mark of 2:03.38 set in Berlin 13 months ago.(AP Photo dapd/ Alex Domanski)

It is all systems go for tomorrow’s inaugural Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Thange Cross Country at Makuu Primary School Grounds in Kibwezi.

The meet to start at 7am will act as a curtain raiser for the Jamhuri Day celebrations to be staged at the same grounds.

The Athletics Kenya-sanctioned event, will see elite athletes like Patrick Makau (pictured) and Caleb Mwangangi in attendance to encourage other upcoming runners.

Four categories will be competed for in the event. They are senior men’s 10km, senior women’s 8km, 6km junior (boys and girls), 4km kids race (under 14 years) and 2km Wazee race (Over 40 years).

The winners in the senior men’s category will pocket Sh20,000 with first and second runners up receiving Sh15,000 and Sh10,000.

Top three in the women’s senior category will get Sh15,000, 10,000 and Sh8,000 with winners in the junior 6km (boys and girls) receiving Sh10,000, Sh8,000 and Sh7,000.

Winners, first and second runners up in the children and Wazee’s races will walk away with Sh5,000, Sh4,000 and Sh3,000 each.

The top ten in all categories will also win cash prizes with the best three local runners in the senior category equally awarded.

“This is the first sporting extravaganza of its kind in Thange and communities around the area are excited and ready to fight for top honours.

KPC plays a very critical role in the vital oil and gas sector in Kenya and the region and its relationship with key stakeholders is paramount,” said KPC managing director Joe Sang.

“Indeed, that is why our CSR policy focuses on sports and youth empowerment programs that have the potential to transform lives. And that is why the theme of this race is ‘Transforming lives together’.

“As Africa’s premier Oil and Gas Company with an eye on the continent’s emerging oil and gas opportunities, sports is one avenue of empowering the people to become change agents in their own communities. KPC welcomes Kenyans from all walks of life to come to Thange and enjoy an unforgettable sporting experience.”

Sang said the main objective of the event is to identify and nurture running talent among youth in the area and develop sporting spirit.

“Our aim is to build on its positive benefits that include social and economic empowerment and use elite athletes as role models to the upcoming athletes by creating a platform of interaction during the meet,” he added.

Athletics Kenya vice president in charge of competitions, Paul Mutwii said: “This is what we have been waiting for, especially down here at the lower Eastern part of our region where we believe is endowed with hidden athletics talent.

“I thank Kenya Pipeline Company for such a noble initiative and we fully support it both as a community and as leadership.”