This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
On September 20, 2019, the inaugural Kitui-Avena Half Marathon will kick off in Kitui, with former World Marathon record holder Patrick Makau at the helm.
Joining Makau in the 21km race is Wesley Kangongo, who secured seventh place in the Kirdam road race.
Kenya's Senate Speaker, Ken Lusaka, will flag off the half marathon, in which area senator and patron of the event Enock Wambua will be competing.
The women's 21km race boasts a strong lineup, featuring last year's Ndakaini Half Marathon winner Purity Kalekye, Eldoret City Marathon winner Calary Chemos, Kabarak Half marathon winner Lydia Njeri, and Vivian Chepkurui, who placed sixth in the Baringo Kirdam Half Marathon.
According to event co-ordinator Paul Mutwii, over 300 athletes had registered for the event as of yesterday, with registration set to close today.
“Most of those who have registered are from Kitui and its neighbouring counties, but we are witnessing groups of athletes arriving in the town's registration centres,” Mutwii said.
The event will include the 21km for elite athletes, 8km and 6km for junior men and women respectively, and the 2km fun run. The 21km route will begin at Mutomo town and end in Ikutha.
Prize money for the half marathon remains at Sh100,000 for winners in both men and women, while runners-up will be awarded Sh75,000 and the third athletes will take home Sh50,000.
