Organizers of Kakamega Forest marathon are optimistic that the race will return with a bang after two years’ cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic that rocked the world of sports.
The race, which was last held in 2019, missing the 2020 and 2021 season returns next weekend on Saturday November 26th in Shinyalu, Kakamega County.
Race director Billy Kosgei said that the return is good for the athletes who have been missing out to compete in the forest.
The former athlete said that this year’s race is not just like any other race but a race with a purpose of conserving the environment.
“We are coming back with a bang and this time, the race is meant to conserve the environment and particularly Kakamega Forest, which is one of the indigenous forests in the country. We have to fight climate change in the region and affect the whole world,” said Kosgei.
He added that it will not just be the race but many activities will be going on.
“The event starts on Thursday where tree planting will take place followed by Friday’s traditional music (replacing the bill fighting contest) from the local community. Then come Saturday, we host the race which has the 15km, half marathon then marathon. It will be a weekend of many activities,” added Kosgei.
The race Chief Executive Officer (CEO) George Murila is optimistic that come Saturday, with the world returning to its normalcy it will give young people a chance to compete both at the race and at the international championships.
He said that the race, which was first cancelled in 2020, was to be held on November 28th November.
The race has produced top athletes led by the reigning world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei, who won in 2018 and went ahead to smash the world record.
He explained that the reason why the race attracts top athletes in the country is because of their lobbying and proper preparations.
“We always have proper lobbying, good objectives for the runners. We also sell the suitability of our race circuit as the best training for conquering big races abroad and once they come and have the experience they perform well abroad and become our race ambassadors. We also involve trainers and managers who appreciate the value addition of our race route for the future success of their athletes,” he said