Athletics: Ndakaini marathon doubles prize cash

The UAP Old Mutual group Head of Commnunication, Catherine Obwino (Left) receives the Athletics Kenyapermit for Ndakaini Half Marathon from AK president Lt. Gen Jackson Tuwei. [Photo: Dennis Okeyo, Standard]

Organisers of the 14th edition of the annual UAP Old Mutual Ndakaini Half Marathon have doubled the prize money ahead of the September 30 race in Murang'a County.

Speaking while receiving the event’s permit from Athletics Kenya yesterday, UAP Old Mutual Head of Communications Catherine Obwino announced that they had increased the prizes.

“We have decided to increase the rewards to Sh300,000 from Sh150,000. The first runner-up will get Sh150,000 while the second runner-up will pocket Sh75,000. We want to attract more elite runners,” said Obwino.

The marathon, which forms an integral part of Athletics Kenya’s curve and is seen as the toughest half marathon race in the country, aims to attact 200 elite runners and more than 400 regular participants.

The race has been described as a grooming field for marathoners such as the late Samuel Wanjiru, Abel Kirui and Mathew Kisorio.

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei said all race winners must undergo doping tests.

“We have made it mandatory that all race winners must pass a doping test before receiving their prizes,” said Tuwei. This is in line with our reinforced push to ensure that athletics in Kenya is clean." [Dennis Okeyo]