Leaders sprint for better health in First Lady’s Beyond Zero marathon
What you need to know:
- Hundreds of people from all walks of life had turned up early in Nairobi in support of the Beyond Zero campaign whose aim is to eradicate maternal deaths by providing better healthcare systems for pregnant mothers across the country.
- The runners arrived at the Nyayo National Stadium as early as 5:30am and had transformed the city streets into a sea of purple with their bright shirts.
- Seventy-five year-old Nahashion Kamau and renowned veteran athlete Stephen Njoroge, 65, also charmed journalists with their toothless smiles when they reached the finish line way ahead of many runners half their age.
Leaders, celebrities and executives on Sunday joined hands to participate in the second edition of the First Lady’s Marathon.
The sight of Mrs Margaret Kenyatta breaking into a sprint 100 meters before the finish line into the arms of President Kenyatta was the highlight of the day.
Hundreds of people from all walks of life had turned up early in Nairobi in support of the Beyond Zero campaign whose aim is to eradicate maternal deaths by providing better healthcare systems for pregnant mothers across the country.
The runners arrived at the Nyayo National Stadium as early as 5:30am and had transformed the city streets into a sea of purple with their bright shirts.
TOP POLITICIANS
The runners included the country’s top politicians led by Deputy President William Ruto, his wife Rachel Ruto, Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario and Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning Ann Waiguru.
Health and Interior ministers also attended the event.
Popular television comedians and other entertainers also took part in the race.
The young and elderly also graced the event.
Seventy-five year-old Nahashion Kamau and renowned veteran athlete Stephen Njoroge, 65, also charmed journalists with their toothless smiles when they reached the finish line way ahead of many runners half their age.
A STRUGGLE
Politicians, most of whom opted for the 10-kilometre stretch, swapped their regular three piece suits for track suits, tights and sweat pants.
It was a struggle for some and by the time they reached the crossing line, they were exhausted.
While most testified that the race was tough, participants felt it was worth it.
“It was more difficult this year. We started by going uphill and after six kilometres, I almost gave up. It is good to know that mothers will deliver safely,” said one of the participants.
The marathon ended at 12:30pm and winners received trophies from President Kenyatta.
