Yegon, Chepkemoi to defend Kisumu Marathon titles

The stage is set for the 12th edition of Kisumu City Marathon scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday 16 with over 700 athletes expected to participate in the marathon.

The marathon will be flagged off at the Kenyatta Sports Ground. Elkana Yegon and Diana Chepkemoi, who won last year’s race will be back for another shot at the title.

“Preparations for the marathon are complete with registration set to end this evening before the race. We expect a competitive event because some elite athletes including last year’s winners have confirmed participation and we will use this marathon to encourage the youth in the area to embrace athletics,” said Jared Gilo, Nyanza North Athletics Kenya PRO.

The event will feature different categories including the full marathon (42km), 10km race, 8km event for junior men and 6km race for junior women. There will also be a 2km race for boys and girls and a 1km competition for children and veterans.

The first three athletes to cross the line in the full marathon will walk away with Ksh 500,000, Ksh 250,000 and Ksh 100,000, respectively.

The marathon will be the last calendar of events for sponsors Safaricom coming in the wake of the Henry Wanyoike Road Race, Kenya Police and Kenya Prisons Athletics Championships, Kisii Half Marathon, Deaf Half Marathon, Iten Road race, Mombasa International Marathon, Isaiah Kiplagat Road Race, Madoka Half Marathon, Deaf Youth Athletics Championship and South Imenti Road Race.

“It has been yet another exciting season of the Safaricom Athletics Series which has given us an opportunity to witness firsthand the amount of sporting talent that Kenya is blessed with. Through the different races we have seen more young men and women from all over the country realise their dreams of excelling in sports. We remain committed to providing a platform from which our athletes can launch their careers and receive valuable training as they seek to represent Kenya at the highest levels”, said Sylvia Mulinge, Chief Customer Officer, Safaricom.