Sh20m spent on HATC in Taita Taveta County

The County Government of Taita Taveta has spent Sh20 million to fund the construction of the first phase of the High Altitude training centre (HATC) in Ngerenyi.

“The construction is going on well and immediately its over we shall shift focus to the second face so that our athletes can have a conducive place to sharpen their talent and skills,” Major (Rtd) Marsden Madoka said.

Madoka was speaking during Wednesday’s launch of the 14th edition of the Madoka Half Marathon that will be held on October 5 at the Ngerenyi Farm in Wundanyi.

The competition, founded by the 76-year-old, received financial boosts from various sponsors including Kenya Ports Authority and Safaricom rising to the tune of over six million shillings.

The Athletics Kenya (AK) President Lt Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei congratulated Madoka for the marathons initiative citing that many talents has been risen like Panuel Mkungo who participated in the recent African games in Morocco.

“This is a good platform for young athletes to show case their talents. As AK, we shall continue supporting such initiatives and we urge more sponsors to come on board in supporting such initiatives.”

“We have heard a lot of cases of athletes involving themselves in doping menace. The anti doping agencies will be on ground to scrutinize the participant and the winners will not receive their money prices until their doping tests are released.”

Apart from the main race, other categories includes the 12km, 8km for people aged over 45 years, and 6km for juniors, have been included.

Last year 21km winners in both categories Daniel Muindi and Devlin Meringor have confirmed their participation where they will seek to defend their respective titles.

Muindi, who is from Machakos Athletics Club, won 21 km men’s race in 61.06.6 after beating George Njoroge (61.06.6) to second place while Rift Valley’s Devlin Meringor timed 71.16.1 to clinch the women’s title.

The prize money for the top position will be Sh 300,000.