NAIROBI, Kenya, May 15 – Over one thousand runners have registered for this year’s Safaricom Marathon at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
The event which has drawn runners from 25 countries will be marking its 10th anniversary this year when its held on June 27 with significant number of entries coming in from the United Kingdom, United States, China, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania with a large number of corporate also expected to take part.
“Top athletes like Paul Tergat, Catherine Ndereba, Henry Wanyoike and Martin Lel have been great supporters of the marathon over the years and we also hope to have Samuel Wanjiru, Wilfred Bungei and Pamela Jelimo this year,” said Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph.
Benson Kaptikou and Emma Muthoni will be back to defend their titles in the men’s and women’s marathons respectively and are expected to battle a strong field of runners for top prizes.
Last year, the event raised Sh30 million the highest ever in a single year. The main purpose of the vent is to raise much needed funds for community development, health, education, and wildlife conservation projects across the country.
So far the total funds raised and distributed to beneficiaries is $1.7 million.
“Such a tremendous achievement would not have been realized without runners, sponsors and well wishers who came from all over the world to support the cause. We are grateful to the many Kenyan and overseas sponsors, companies and individuals who generously supported this initiative,” said Joseph.
Joseph was speaking after welcoming on board LG as sponsors of the marathon in which they have pledged various items as television sets, refrigerators, stereo systems and home theatres.
“I am pleased to welcome LG as a sponsor this year as it will enhance the prize offering to the winners in the various categories,” said Joseph who was flanked by LG Electronics manager Woo Won Na.
