Oganisers get ready for Sunday’s race

Major roads around Nairobi’s Central Business District will be closed to traffic on Sunday during this year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.

Major roads in and around the city centre will be closed to traffic as more than 20,000 athletes compete in the race.

Nairobi County Traffic Commander Peter Ndung’u on Thursday said sections of Upper Hill Road, Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Upper Hill and Forest Road will be affected.

Within the CBD, Kenyatta Avenue and sections of Haile Selassie and University Way will remain closed till 11.30am to ensure safety of the competitors. The other roads will be closed from 4am to 1pm.

Ndung’u said motorists and members of the public will use alternative routes.

“There will be alternative routes for all major roads leading to institutions and major installations in the city centre, including hospitals, churches and airports,” he said.

More than 20, 000 runners have registered for the race, but organizers are targeting 5,000 more before Friday's deadline.

Ndung’u also said elaborate security measures have been put in place for the event. Doping tests will be done at the finish line.

“Runners should keep away from drugs because culprits will be banned from athletics for four years,” he said.

There will be four categories in this year’ event - 42km marathon, half marathon, 10km road race and 5km fun run.