T. NashipaeChemususu Dam half marathon set for spectacular 9th edition
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 02.11.23. | 18:00
Themed 'Run to Conserve', this year's edition has received a major boost as title sponsor Mozzart Bet sponsored the event to the tune of Ksh 2.5 million, up from Ksh 2 million last edition
Excitement is building, and the countdown has officially begun, as the ninth edition of the Chemususu Dam half marathon, scheduled for Saturday 11 November, draws near.
With each passing year, this prestigious half marathon has grown in scale and significance. The bonanza that has electrified the athletics-rich Baringo County is regarded as one of the biggest half marathons in the country.
It happens annually with this year's starting line set at Benonin, Eldama Ravine in Baringo County.
Themed 'Run to Conserve', this year's edition has received a major boost as title sponsor Mozzart Bet sponsored the event to the tune of Ksh 2.5 million, up from Ksh 2 million last edition.
Speaking on the preparation, race director Matthew Birir revealed that they were expecting more than 700 athletes in this year's edition.
"This year, it is going to be a big race. The preparations are heated. The route and prize money will be the same. We will have doubled the number of last year when we had 350 athletes. They are always calling, and the registration is always on," Birir offered.
The former World Junior 3,000m steeplechase record holder also confirmed that the monies raised from the event will facilitate a number of activities among them the establishment of a mega tree nursery that will draw them closer to their goal of 'running to conserve'.
"On Friday, we will have farmers' day, and at the same time medical camps, and we have sanitary towels for the young girls; motivation, and menstruation health. But the biggest is conservation. After this marathon, we will have a nursery, and raise half a million shillings so that we plant a lot of trees," Birir averred.
Additionally, part of the funds will be used to plant trees and help the elderly get NHIF covers since health is a concern owing to the cold nature of the area, an effect of the dam.
In line with giving the utmost support to the community surrounding the dam, the event will be looking to educate the community on agribusiness.
Fans can also look forward to entertainment from cultural dancers, in addition to witnessing one of the biggest half-marathons in Kenya.
Birir also confirmed that this year's winners will receive Ksh 250,000 in prize money. Runners-up will walk home Ksh 150,000 rich while the third-place finishers will receive Ksh 100,000. The top ten finishers will be awarded, with the last athlete in the list getting Ksh 10,000.
The winners of the 2022 edition; Daisy Cherotich for the ladies’ category and Emmanuel Kemboi for the men’s category bagged Ksh250,000 each.
Kemboi clocked 1:03:46 to emerge victorious in the 21km men's race, beating Jackson Kipleting (1:03:49) and Benard Kipkirui (1:04:22) who settled for second and third places respectively.
Cherotich took the women’s honors in 1:11:38 as Catherine Reline (1:11:45) and Jackline Chelal (1:11:48) finished second and third.
