This archive report was first published on 19 September 2019.
The Kakamega Forest Marathon is gearing up for its fifth edition, set to take place on November 30 in Kakamega. Organizers are optimistic that the number of participants will rise by about 500 to 2000.
According to coordinator Johnson Murila, plans are underway to introduce random doping tests before the races. The registration fee for participants is Sh1500, allowing them to choose between competing in the 42km race, 21km, 15km, and bicycle races involving adults and juniors.
"This marathon is part of a wider project to sensitise the world on the need to protect indigenous forests," said George Murila, coordinating the event. "The Kakamega forest has over the years been exploited, and if measures are not put in place to reign this, there is the risk that we may lose the same."
During the event, there will be a tree planting session, and winners of the men and women full marathon will each pocket half a million shillings. There are also rewards for participants who finish the race in the top-ten positions, with half marathon winners taking home Sh250,000.
The organizers have mapped out the routes to include Solio Sports ground, Mukumu Girls, Khayega, Shinyalu market, Rongo forest, and Ileho market.
