Lodepa ready to give Chepkoech a run for her money

Lewa Marathon women winner Fridah Lodepa. INSET: Winner of the 21KM Women race Peninah Waithera at the Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Decorated Fridah Lodepa is among the high profile athletes who have registered for the 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, on Sunday.

The race will be held along the Southern Bypass route, with the finishing point at the historic Uhuru Gardens.

Lodepa will be looking for a maiden title at home after winning three version of the race abroad; in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

The five-time Safaricom Lewa Marathon champion is currently stepping up training at Cloud Nine Club in Iten.

Among the athletes who are ready to give the double Kilimanjaro International Marathon champion a run for her money on Sunday include Edna Kimitei, Dorcas Chepkorir, Naomi Chelangat, Joyce Kemboi, Caren Barsosio, Carolyn Kigen, Bency Cheruiyot, among others.

Lodepa believes her training thrice a day will aid her dislodge Sheila Chepkoech from the women's marathon title.

Those, who are ready to dethrone Elias Kemboi from the men's title include David Oloisa, Stephen Gitari, Julius Ndiritu,Wilson Kiprop,Samuel Korir, Abel Kaboci, Daniel Rotich, among others.

So far, 22,000 athletes have registered for the race whose proceeds will go toward the
Future-makers program.

This is an initiative that aims to tackle inequality and promote greater economic inclusion for young people in local communities focusing on three pillars; Entrepreneurship, Employability and Education.

On Wednesday, the organisers announced road closures for the race.

The start and finishing points will be at Uhuru Gardens, Langata Road. Runners will use the scenic route on the Southern Bypass for the physical marathon thus experiencing a great view of the Nairobi National Park.

To effectively support the race, the Nairobi Traffic Department has created a schedule of road closures and detours that will redirect traffic to and from the Southern Bypass to alternate routes between 12am (midnight) and 1:30pm on October 29, 2023.

Speaking during the press briefing at Uhuru Gardens on Wednesday, Head Traffic Police Commander Vitalis Otieno said they will work to minimise the inconveniences to drivers and pedestrians.

“As the police traffic department, we have offered alternative routes that are to be used during this 20th edition of the race," he said.

"Even with this, we want to assure the country that all alternative routes are safe and secure."

Peter Gitau, Chairman, Local Organising Committee said; “We trust that the event will continue with little or no hitches. We have also ensured that the start and finish times are well managed."

"The Race Technical Director, Route Marshals and CCTV cameras along the course will ensure delivery of a world-class marathon and experience to all participants as we celebrate our 20th year anniversary.”

The marathon has promised a total Kitty of Sh11 million for winners in various categories. 

Winners in the full marathon will receive up to Sh2 million each. 

Participants can pick their running kit on the spot by visiting the running kit collection centre at Uhuru Gardens until Saturday.