This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
On December 3, 2019, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta officially launched the 2020 edition of the Beyond Zero Half Marathon at State House, Nairobi, in the company of Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart and world marathon record-breaker Eliud Kipchoge and his wife Grace.
The launch coincided with the International Day of Disabled Persons, which aims to promote the rights of persons living with disabilities in all spheres of society and development.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta was the first participant of the 2020 Beyond Zero Marathon, and she expressed her gratitude to the supporters and participants, saying, 'I thank you all for your support and being Beyond Zero Champions. This is what has kept me going. Your encouragement, your inspiration, your dedication has contributed to the gains we have made in saving lives of mothers and children and reversing the mother to child transmission of HIV.'
She also reiterated her desire to build a specialized health facility that will be responsive to the needs of communities, stating that her desire remains as strong as ever.
According to the United Nations, the theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities this year focuses on empowering disabled people for inclusive, sustainable and equitable development expected in the Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Kipchoge, and his wife took part in an early morning run to prepare for the launch, and they were joined by Mama Ida Odinga and Kipchoge in registering for the marathon.
