Organisers await first sub 2:10 winner as entries draw to close

Just 10 days before the eighth Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon takes place, organisers remain optimistic the contest will see its first sub-two hours, 10 minutes champion.

Contested at an altitude of 5,500 feet above sea level, the Nairobi marathon remains one of the biggest road races competed at high altitude.

However, Standard Chartered Bank’s chief executive, Richard Etemesi, who also will be running this year, is keen to see local athletes set a new time record. Reigning champions Moses Kigen (2:10:12) and fresh Commonwealth Games winner Irene Jerotich (2:28:57) hold the course records.

There has been a Sh250,000 bonus price for anyone who breaks the 2:10 barrier and 2010 might just provide the winner.

Registration for the October 31 race closes today although organisers may extend the registration period due to the interest developed. This year’s marathon route, which is mainly along Mombasa and Uhuru Highways, has given the organisers a flat course. Race director John Velzian is now happy that the construction works on the roads have been finalised and there is enough space to accommodate both the half and full marathon athletes without them mixing up.“The roads are wide enough with three lanes or over. This is good to us because, for the first time, athletes will not be able to mix up,” he said.

“The half marathon and full marathon will each be on its lane while the third lane will be reserved for the permitted vehicles only,” said Velzian.

The event has helped young talented athletes to spring up and get the required race to register times that are used in their career development.

And with Sh1.5 million on offer for the winners, the Nairobi marathon stands out among the best paying road races in Africa and the world.

“We are eying to get to the top and challenger at the same level with the big City marathon like Chicago, London or New York. But because we do not offer appearance fees, many top elite runners have opted not to compete here. But we are still happy because one of our objectives was to provide the platform for Kenyan athletes,” said Etemesi.

With this year’s race expected to attract over 15,000 athletes, the bank is basking in glory to have put its money in an event that has become a permanent fixtures in many people’s calendar, as a fun competition for the whole family, its charity aspect and provision of a platform to showcase new talent.

“When we started in 2003, we did not give much support. But today we are happy that everyone in Nairobi and Kenya wants to join us and share this moment with us. This confirms the success, this event has gained seven years since its launch,” said Etemesi.