Mau Conservation Marathon Increases Prize Money, Adds 42km Race Category

By Elijah Cherutich

Organisers of the Mau Conservation Marathon have increased prize money and introduced additional race categories ahead of this year’s event, which is aimed at promoting environmental conservation through sport.

The marathon has been upgraded to include a full 42-kilometre race for the first time, alongside the half marathon, 10-kilometre and five-kilometre races.

The marathon, scheduled for July 3, focuses on raising awareness about the conservation of the Mau Forest ecosystem.

Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones said the introduction of the full marathon and enhanced prize package would encourage greater participation, particularly among young people.

“We are happy about the upgrade of the marathon to full marathon, it’s going to give opportunities to many young people to integrate sports into the conservation efforts and help the government drive the agenda hastily,” said Mr Kones.

He was speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Milimani, Nakuru where the preparations for the second edition of the event were reviewed.

The winners of the full marathon will each receive Sh600, 000, while prizes will also be awarded to the top 20 finishers in every race category.

Athletics Kenya Nakuru branch chairperson Nancy Sigei said the routes earmarked for the competition had undergone technical assessment and met the required standards.

She said the full marathon course traverses high-altitude terrain, offering athletes an opportunity to compete under conditions similar to those found in established endurance running regions.

“We have prepared ourselves well as the planners of the event supporting the technical assessment of the routes, I am therefore calling on the young people to take advantage of the event to put their skills to action,” said Sigei.

The event will feature a 42-kilometre full marathon, a 21-kilometre half marathon, a 10-kilometre race and a five-kilometre race.

According to organisers, the full marathon will start in Olenguruone in Kuresoi South and finish at Baringo Valley Primary School in Kuresoi North.

Nakuru County Executive Committee Member for Sports Elga Riaga said the county government would support efforts to mobilise athletes to participate in the event.

“The annual marathon has brought a lot of transformation within the immediate community and the entire county,” said Mr Riaga.

The second edition of the marathon is expected to bring together athletes, conservation stakeholders and members of the public in support of efforts to protect the Mau ecosystem.