Ethiopian duo arrive to spice Baringo Half Marathon

Two Ethiopians, Habtamu Asefa Wakeyo and Keneni Germame Korme have arrived in the country ahead of Saturday’s Baringo Half Marathon set to be staged in Kabarnet, Baringo County.

The two athletes are part of the exchange program between organizers of the Baringo Half Marathon and the Great Ethiopian Run which will be held on November 26 where two Kenyan athletes will also feature.

In a press statement sent to newsrooms, organizers say the two athletes arrived on Thursday and held a light training on Friday morning ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

“I look forward to the challenge in Baringo. It’s my first time to run in Kenya and I’m excited about it,” Habtamu who is a seasoned athlete in the road races said.

Habtamu has managed a personal best of 28 minutes in 10km race and 61.00 in half marathon.

Moreover, Habtamu’s personal best in full marathon is 2.08.28; a fete he managed after finishing ninth in the 2013 Dubai Marathon.

On her part Keneni Korme has a personal best of 36.00 in the 10km race he managed at the last year’s Great Ethiopian Run as well as 68.00 in the half marathon she attained in this year in India.

For Keneni however, she is not a visitor in the East African soil as she participated in the 21km in last year’s Uganda Marathon where she managed to finish fourth.

“I have been to Uganda for half marathon but this is my first time in Kenya so I’m looking forward to the race and to sampling Kenya’s attraction,” said Keneni.

Kenyan athletes set to grace the competition includes defending champion Edith Chelimo who will be up against last years’ third finalist and 2012 IAAF World Half Marathon bronze medalist Pascalia Chepkorir as well as last year’s runners up Lucy Cheruiyot.

In the men category, defending champion Isaac Kipkoech will be up against Kurui Chesang and Sammy Kurui who are last year’s runners up and third position respectively as well as Joseph Kimutai who finished second in this year’s Prague half marathon in Czech Republic.

This year’s event will also see an increase in the prize money with the winner set to pocket sh 250,000 up from sh200, 000 with the first and second runners up set to pocket sh100, 000 and 75,000 respectively.

The competition will include 21km men and women, 6km junior cross country race and 10km road race for individuals and corporate.

Unlike in the previous editions the route has slightly changed with the race set to start at Timboiywo and end at Kabarnet.

The event will be graced by Baringo County governor Stanley Kiptis alongside other dignitaries.