Bedan Karoki, Lucy Karimi line up for Ndakaini Half Marathon

World Cross Country silver medalist, Bedan Karoki, and reigning Prague Marathon Champion Lucy Karimi head a cast of elite athletes set to grace the 13th edition of the UAP/Old Mutual Ndakaini Half Marathon on Saturday, 10th in Ndakaini area of Gatanga, Muranga County.

A total of 2500 athletes have so far registered for the annual event, with two-time champion Mathew Kisorio yet to confirm his participation although he is expected to defend the title he has won twice in a row.  The seasoned long distance runner and 2008 World Junior 5,000m silver medallist clinched the title last year in 1:05.12.

“Kisorio told us he wants to win the race four times in a row so we expect him to be here. He has completely dominated the past two editions so we can’t imagine not seeing him line up for it again.

It is within the rules for him to register in the final days so we are hopeful that any time from now he will confirm his registration,” Ndakaini Dam Environmental Conservation Association (NDEKA) Local organizing committee chairman, James Mukuna told Citizen Digital.

“We expect several changes in the list of elite athletes; many people want to participate but it’s unfortunate that some of last year’s participants may not be lining up because of injuries. Those who are coming include Nickolas Kamakia, Cyprian Kipsang and many others from Nyahururu and this area in particular,” Mukuna added.

He adds that their target this year has been to register more participants in the event which started in 2004 through a partnership of NDEKA and the Old Mutual, with the main aim being planting trees around the Ndakaini dam that supplies Nairobi with most of its water.

The male and female winners of the main race will each take home KSh 200,000 in prize money.