Big field for Chemususu half marathon on Saturday

Phyllis Kandie, CS Ministry of East African Community, Labour and Social Protection, Moses Lesonet MP Eldamaravine and Josphat Kigen Chairman Organizing committee of the marathon receive a dummy cheque from Sammy Chesiyna Group Procurement manager Karen Roses during the l4th aunch of Chemususu Dam Half Marathon in Nairobi. Sept 15, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The fourth Chemususu dam half marathon will be held on Saturday in Eldama Ravine.

More than 1000 athletes are expected to take part in the event which received Sh5million sponsorship from various corporates yesterday.

Barnaba Kitilit, the Athletics Kenya Baringo branch chairman, said they expect a big number of athletes as it’s the first race in the calendar.

“We are glad that AK has slotted this event in their calendar and being the first one we expect a big turnout considering that most athletes are looking to test their form ahead of season,” he said.

Winners take home a prize money of Sh150,000 for men and women, runner-ups Sh60,000 while third finishers pocket Sh20,000.

Winners in 10km race receive Sh50, 000 and Sh30, 000 for runners-up while third finishers receive Sh20,000. Other races on the card are 7km and 5km for primary and secondary school athletes.

Speaking at the launch, Cabinet Secretary for Labour Phyllis Kandie praised the race organisers saying it has gone a long way to improve the livelihood of various communities in the area.

“Proceeds from the race have been used to build a school that admit girls from less privileged backgrounds. I want to challenge organisers to consider getting investors who would build a camp in the area to promote sports tourism,” she said.

Rift Valley Water Services, the main sponsors of the event, forked out Sh1.5m. Other sponsors Kenya Power (Sh500, 000), New KCC (Sh250,000), Equity Bank (Sh250,000) and KCB (Sh500,000).

Defending champions Visiline Jepkesho and Isaac Kipkoech are among the athletes who have confirmed participation.

Others who are expected to compete are Mercy Kibarus and upcoming Amos Kaptich. Kibarus has won a number of road races.