Stage set for Madoka Half Marathon

The 13th edition of the annual Safaricom Madoka Half Marathon will take place on October 20 at Ngerenyi Farmers Training Centre in Mwatate constituency, Taita Taveta County.

Over 2,000 athletes from across the country are expected to participate in the marathon which aims at nurturing talents and improving community ties.

The winners of 21km race will receive cash price of Ksh  500,000 each while the first runners up will pocket 250,000 as the second runners up settle for Ksh 100,000.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, race founder, former cabinet minister Major (Rtd) Marsden Madoka said they are aiming to increase the number of foreign athletes to spur up competition.

“We have been growing in every edition since the inaugural event in 2005. I am always happy seeing young talents being nurtured to assist themselves in future. This year we are expecting a very tough battle between the athletes and we are also considering increasing the number of foreign athletes as one way of popularising the event,”said Madoka.

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

“The registration is open until October 19.

“We have a good number of sponsors who have boosted us to make the event successful,” added Madoka.

Defending champions Isaac Kipkoech and Nancy Kiprop have confirmed their participation while Taita based Paul Mkungo, the Philadelphia and Miami Half Marathon winner is among the top athletes expected to grace the event.