Safaricom Athletics Series moves to Elgeyo Marakwet County this weekend for the 8th Edition of the Safaricom Iten Road Race.
Safaricom has sponsored the race to a tune of KES 1 Million, a kitty that will see winners walk away with KES 50,000, while the 1st and 2nd runners up will pocket 40,000, and 30,000 respectively in both the men’s and women’s races.
Among the notable athletes who have confirmed participation in the Iten Road Race include Jorum Lumbasi who is the defending champion of both the Iten Road race and the Family Bank Half Marathon, Joan Chelimo, the winner of this year’s Kisii Half Marathon and Berlin Half Marathon 1st runner’s up Edith Chelimo who is also the defending champion in the women’s category.
“We expect an increase in the number of participants in this year’s race based on the registration and enquiries we have received so far. The preparations are in top gear and we are working with all the stakeholders to ensure seamless success of the event,” said Kibet Biwott, race organizer.
The 10km road race will be flagged off at Bugar, located between the Eldoret – Kapsowar road, at 8.30am on Saturday 25th August, with the finish point at Iten grounds.
“We continue to be part of this journey that transforms the lives of our customers by nurturing grassroot talents and giving an opportunity to our athletes to earn from their talents. We are pleased to be part of a journey that grooms more champions from our community to represent us at bigger international meets,” said Joseph Ogutu, Director Strategy and Innovation, Safaricom.
The Iten Road race aims to nurture young talented athletes and support sports at the grassroot level.
Next month, the Safaricom Athletics Series will head to Mombasa for the Mombasa International Marathon, after which the Series will hold the Isaiah Kiplagat Memorial Ndalat Gaa Cross Country and Madoka marathons in October.