Athletics: Elite marathoners head to Mombasa

Athletes compete during the 12th edition of the Madoka Half Marathon Championship which was held at Ngerenyi Farm in Wundanyi within Taita Taveta County, October 21, 2017. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Officials change Mombasa marathon route

Mama Ngina recreational site along the Likoni channel will host this year’s Mombasa international marathon set for Sunday.

Athletics Kenya deputy treasurer Kimoni Kisalu said the 42km marathon, which is traditionally held at the Treasury Square, will move to Mama Ngina Drive.

“We have decided to use Mama Ngina Drive as the starting and finishing area to give Mombasa residents an opportunity to watch some of the world’s elite marathoners in action,” said Kisalu.

"AK technical team is in Mombasa to mark a new route for the September 23 event,” said Kisalu, who is also the AK Coast branch Chairman.

Winners of the 42km (men and women) will win Sh500, 000, while top-10 finishers will pocket cash awards. There will also be a 10km race.

Meanwhile, Kisalu said Ethiopia will field three athletes in the marathon, adding that Tanzania and Uganda have entered five runners each.

Rwanda and Burundi have two athletes in the event where over 1,000 runners are expected to participate.

Kisalu said defending champions Cosmos Koech and Shelimita Muriuki have confirmed participation. [Ernest Ndunda]