Ndakaini Half Marathon targets more amateurs

The 16th edition of the Ndakaini Half Marathon will be held on November 9 at the grounds of the Ndakaini Dam in Murang’a County.

The marathon, which is aimed at raising funds towards conserving Ndakaini Dam’s catchment area, will feature 21km, 10km and 5km family-fun races.

According to Ndakaini Environmental Conservation Association (NDEKA) Sports Chairman, James Mukuna, this year’s event is targeting 5,000 amateur runners.

“I am delighted to announce that the 2019 Ndakaini Half Marathon, which will be marking its 16th edition this year, will be held on Saturday, the 9th of November 2019 in Ndakaini, Murang’a County. This year, as was the case last year, the marathon will not feature prize money for elites,” he said.

The marathon has raised over Ksh 120 Million over the past 15 editions which has been channelled towards the conservation of the dam.

Apart from conservation, the marathon has over the years been considered as one of toughest half marathons in the world, attracting both international and local athletes, who test themselves on the hilly terrain adjacent to the dam.

The half marathon has nurtured some of the country’s greatest long-distance including Catherine Ndereba, Abel Kirui, Samuel Wanjiru and Patrick Kipng’eno.

“Apart from conservation, the main purpose for this event is to nurture upcoming marathon talents in the country. The marathon has always attracted great interest from amateur runners over the years, we expect a similar turn out this year,” added Mukuna.

Mukuna further revealed that the sponsors for this year’s event would be announced in due course, adding that the interest from the corporate sector to take part at this year’s event has been considerably big.

Online registration for this year’s event has already opened with athletes required to pay a fee of Ksh 1500.

Simon Mwangi and Purity Kalekye reigned supreme in the 21km races for men and women respectively in last year’s edition.