This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On November 14, 2019, Vivo Energy Kenya announced a Sh500,000 boost for the Kakamega Forest Marathon, scheduled for November 30.
The sixth edition of the marathon is expected to attract over 1,200 runners competing in 42km, 21km, and 15km races through the heart of Kakamega Forest.
Runners will range from professional athletes to passionate running enthusiasts, with the marathon serving as a breeding ground for athletes who go on to become world champions.
Notably, Brigid Kosgei, the record holder of the 2018 Kakamega Forest 21km women's race, won the 2018 and 2019 Chicago Marathons and the 2019 London Marathon.
Proceeds from the marathon last year were used to purchase 18,000 indigenous tree seedlings, which were planted during the long rains of March to April 2019.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony, Hannington Kimathi of the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation emphasized the importance of the marathon in raising awareness about the need to protect the indigenous forest.
