Menengai Geothermal Half-Marathon

By  Game Yetu

The 2^nd Edition of Menengai Geothermal Half-Marathon is finally here. The annual event, which seeks to tap the overwhelming talent across the nation and more, so in Rift Valley region, will be held at the Nakuru Sports club on Sunday the October 13^th 2013, in Nakuru County.

The event organized by the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), a state-owned parastatal established as a Special Purpose Vehicle to fast-track the development of geothermal resources in Kenya, is fast gaining world recognition following an endorsement by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) – a century old top athletic organ. IAAF has now joined local Athletics Kenya (AK), which also endorsed the race last year in a move, which saw it culminate into an annual event.

Speaking to The Standard, GDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Silas Simiyu, stated the categories of the marathon and also highlighted the importance of the marathon to the community. " We have four main categories: 21 KM; 10 KM; 5 KM; and 3 KM field events for children. This marathon is part of GDC's commitment to community. Our main interest is to provide platforms for up and coming athletes to test their talents. Its our dream to see to talents being discovered from the Menengai Geothermal Half-Marathon," said Simiyu.

The eventual winner of the 21 km race will pocket a whooping Ksh. 100, 000, while the other top ten finishers will walk away with various prize money. In the 10 km category, winners will take home Ksh. 15, 000 both male and female; whereas the champion of the 3km category will receive shopping vouchers of different amount