Misoi and Barsosio set to defend Nairobi City Marathon titles

Athletics Kenya Vice Chairman Paul Mutwii (Left) and Nairobi City Marathon Race Director Ibrahim Hussein during Nairobi City Marathon Media Briefing at Kasarani Stadium. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Brimin Misoi and Agnes Barsosio are expected to defend the men and women's titles in the second edition of the Nairobi City Marathon (NCM) to be held at the Nairobi Expressway on July 2.

The marathon date has been changed from the initial date of May 21 to give other expected world beaters a chance to clear up with some pending races they have signed up for across the world.

"We also realised that our initial chosen May 21 date was clashing with the Family Cancer Walk organised by the Getrudes Hospital which will be happening almost in the same route and locality, so we deemed it prudent to postpone our race to a later date," NCM Race Director Ibrahim Hussein told Standard Sports.

Hussein has predicted that the 2:08:30 mark set by Misoi in the inaugural edition last year is likely to be broken this season.

"With the expected top athletes from around the world, this time might be smashed. The good thing is that the route has been conformed to the World Athletics standards meaning any record broken will be duly ratified," Hussein.

Last year, Barsosio (2:24:45) was unchallenged in the women's category which she won with a huge margin.
Apart from the full marathon, the race will have the 5km, 10km and the 21km categories.

"From the registered athletes so far, a chunk have come from the 5km and the 10km contests," said Hussein.

Hussein has told the visiting athletes to expect a scenic view of Nairobi City during the race that will also give them a rare view of the Nairobi National Park.

He said the marathon starting point will be altered from last year's edition to ease movement during the competition.