NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 3 – Former world marathon champion Luke Kibet will be the man to beat in this year’s Nyeri Half marathon.
The 2007 world title winner will be among 1500 athletes who will take part in the 13th edition that will be held on November 29.
“I’m willing to go the full distance this time and I’m ready for the event,” said Kibet.
Broad Street Run champion, Jane Murage “This year, I’m going for victory. I know the course well and it will be a good build-up for my season.”
Two time winner Nathan Kosgei, who also won the Fairfield Half Marathon three years ago is also back with designs on making it a hatrick of titles.
Winners will win Sh100,000 top prize for men and women winners in the 21km while runners up will pocket Sh50,000 with Sh30,000, Sh25,000 and Sh20,000.
At the same time, Safaricom have increased their sponsorship of the annual race to Sh980,000.
“We have doubled the prize money following this increase of sponsorship,” Anthony Maina, the event’s Financial Directorsaid adding, “We want to make it one of the biggest events in the athletics calendar. Registration is now open at all Equity Bank branches where the fee is Sh500 for Half Marathon with Sh200 for under 13 and under 17 competitions.”
Athletics Kenya (AK) supremo, Isaiah Kiplagat, urged the organiser to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day, “We don’t want events organised haphazardly. Athletics is becoming a hot cake with events being organised for purposes of collecting entry fees.”
There will also be a children fun run and tree planting initiatives and proceeds of the race will go towards assisting Nyeri Hospice.
