Siaya County: Kogelo Sowo Marathon postponed

The second edition of the Mama Sarah Obama Sowo Kogelo Marathon, which was due on October 19, has been rescheduled to December 6, 2014 in Nyang'oma Kogelo in Siaya County.

Race organisers are working with Athletics Kenya in organising the event. The Siaya County Government has partnered with the charity race organisers to make this year's edition of the race  better.

Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga yesterday reiterated his support for the annual race that is also being supported by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

"We will support the race. I encourage Kenyans to turn up in large numbers as Siaya has enough hotels and resorts that can entertain and accommodate the guests during the weekend of the event," said Rasanga.

The race has been postponed to enable the organisers plan well for its logistics following interest by international and foreign dignitaries and diplomats to grace the occasion.

"The event had over 1,600 local and foreign participants. We expect 5,000 this year. It has since attracted a lot of interest from international participants who are looking forward to visiting Kogelo, the home of grandmother to US President Barrack Obama," noted Rasanga.

The race, which is supported by Mama Sarah Obama and a Non-Governmental Organisation, Safeguard Orphans and Widows Organisation (Sowo), will have 5km and 15 km road races and a family fun run.

The inaugural event held on November 23, 2013,  was flagged off by The First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and graced by other guests including Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, the Siaya County Commissioner and Ahadi Kenya Trust CEO Stanley Kamau.

The race aims to support orphans, vulnerable children, widows and the girl child. This year's event is expected to raise funds for projects in aid of orphans and widows in Kenya and especially Nyanza Province which has the highest number of orphans and widows who are victims of HIV/AIDS.

The guests expected at this year's event include the late South Africa's President Nelson Mandela's grandson Ndaba Mandela, the US Ambassador, Heads of various regional UN bodies and international NGOs, diplomats from various missions, local corporate leaders and government representatives.