First Lady’s Half Marathon seeks to raise Sh105m this year

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta displays a T-Shirt with her bib number after registering for the 2016 First Lady’s Half-Marathon at State House, Nairobi, on January 26, 2016. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Kenyans urged to register in large numbers to contribute to worthy cause
  • Registration for 2016 race is launched as organisers target 70,000 participants
  • The First Lady also competed in the 21km race at the 2014 London Marathon.

This year’s edition of the First Lady’s Half Marathon is targeting to raise Sh105 million in entry fees towards the Beyond Zero campaign.

Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of this year’s edition at State House, Nairobi, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta said the half-marathon set for March 6 in Nairobi is targeting 70,000 participants.

The First Lady said more than Sh540 million has so far been raised since the inception of the Half Marathon in 2014 and 36 out of the 47 counties have so far benefited from ambulances through the Beyond Zero campaign.

Beyond Zero seeks to raise funds to increase access to better health care through provision of mobile clinics to less fortunate Kenyans. Last year’s race that started and ended at Nyayo National Stadium attracted 30,000 participants and raised over Sh240 million. The 2014 edition raised over Sh200 million.

LAUNCHED REGISTRATION

While launching the registration process for this year’s race, Mrs Kenyatta said the Beyond Zero Campaign has achieved key successes with the support of various partners.

“The unique private-public sector partnership, individual philanthropists, the media, the UN family, national and county governments have all contributed to these milestones,” said the First Lady during Tuesday’s launch.

“I’m grateful to the Kenyan spirit of collaboration and giving.”

After the launch, Mrs Kenyatta registered for the race alongside Deputy President William Ruto’s wife Rachel. Mrs Kenyatta urged Kenyans to register in numbers. The race will feature several 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km categories.

Registration fee is Sh1,500 payable through M-Pesa pay bill number 994374. The account numbers are FLM2 (2km), FLM5 (5km), FLM10 (10km) and FLM21 (21km).

Companies willing to sponsor the race will pay Sh25 million (Platinum sponsorship), Sh10 million (Diamond) and Sh5m (gold).

The First Lady also received pledges of sponsorship from several firms, among them Co-operative Bank of Kenya which has pledged Sh15 million through its chief executive officer Gideon Muriuki.

Little-known Moses Kosgey and seasoned runner Georgina Rono won men and women’s races at last year’s race. Mrs Kenyatta, who is coached by former world marathon champion Douglas Wakiihuri, finished the race in 3:24:55.

The First Lady also competed in the 21km race at the 2014 London Marathon.