All systems go for Lake Kanyaboli Half Marathon
Athletics Kenya Nyanza North chairman Francis Ochieng (Centre ) during the launch of Lake Kanyaboli Ecosystem Half Marathon in 2015. FILE PHOTO | GAITANO PESSA |
What you need to know:
- The Yala swamp wetland is Kenya’s largest papyrus swamp and freshwater wetland covering 17,500 hectares in Siaya, Bondo and Busia districts.
It’s all system go for the inaugural Lake Kanyaboli-Yala Swamp Ecosystem Half Marathon set for August 8 in Siaya, organisers said on Thursday.
The one-day event, which is an initiative of Athletics Kenya (AK), Seeds of Peace Africa Foundation and the Siaya County government, aims at raising awareness on the need for conservation at the Yala Swamp Ecosystem.
AK Nyanza North chairman Francis Ochieng’ told Nation Sport the event will include a 21km race for senior men and women, 6km circuit race for the juniors below 17 years and a kilometre race kids.
“We also have races for the veterans above 45 years. Boat racing, swimming, traditional songs and dances and other sporting activities have also been considered,” he said.
The Siaya County government will use the event to develop a community resource complex. They also want to tap and nurture sporting talents for conservation and advancement purposes.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
They also hope to achieve peaceful coexistence among the people and animals living around the Ecosystem.
Registration for the event is ongoing with locals paying Sh500, recreational runners Sh1000, while elite athletes will part with Sh1500 according to Ochieng’.
“The first male and female elite athletes will receive Sh250,000 each while the first local athlete will receive Sh15,000. Some assorted scholastic items will be given to participating schools,” he added.
The Yala swamp wetland is Kenya’s largest papyrus swamp and freshwater wetland covering 17,500 hectares in Siaya, Bondo and Busia districts.
