This archive report was first published on 9 November 2019.
On Saturday, the 16th edition of the Ndakaini Half Marathon took place, with Ngong-based debutante George Nyagetari emerging as the men's champion and Nyandarua's Rebecca Wanjiru claiming the women's title.
Nyagetari's winning time was 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 32 seconds, while Wanjiru finished in 1:45:28.
Other winners included Peter Wahome and Evalyne Kamau, who took the 10-kilometre titles, and Johnson Mbugua and Faith Kyala, who won the 5km titles.
Organized by the Ndakaini Dam Environment Conservation Association (NDEKA), the event aimed to raise funds for the conservation of the Ndakaini Dam catchment area.
According to NDEKA Sports chairman James Mukuna, the number of runners increased to 2,000 this year, up from 1,500 last year.
"We are proud to continue hosting the Ndakaini Half Marathon. The race has been instrumental in ensuring that the Ndakaini Dam catchment is conserved," said Mukuna.
Located at the foothills of the Aberdares, 70 kilometres from Nairobi, the Ndakaini Dam is situated in Gatanga, Murang'a County.
Meanwhile, attention shifts to the second edition of the Wahome Gakuru Memorial Race in Nyeri County, which is expected to attract over 500 runners.
Philemon Baaru, Samuel Gathimba, and Gideon Gathimba will be the star attractions at the event, which will feature a half marathon and a 10-kilometre road race exclusively for Nyeri residents.
The organizing committee faced a challenge in raising the Sh9 million budget for the event, with Sh4 million allocated towards the establishment of a male ward at Nyeri County Referral Hospital.
Nyeri Sports Executive Margaret Macharia urged Nyeri people to turn up for the race in remembrance of their third Governor Wahome Gakuru, who passed away in a road accident in November 2017.
"We are heavily relying on the lessons we picked from the first edition. This time we hope to stage a better and organised event," said Macharia.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga called upon Nyeri people to participate in the event for fun and for their health, saying, "Running is not just about winning. It is also about your health. I am urging Nyeri people to come and run along with elite runners and for those who cannot run, we are calling upon your support either to cheer our talents or your financial support towards the mission," said Kahiga.
