Registration for the inaugural Kisumu City Run kicks off

Kisumu

Thursday, August 31, 2023

KNA by Chris Mahandara

Over 5, 000 athletes and fun runners are expected to take part in the inaugural Kisumu City Run slated for Sunday 24th September 2023.

The race which has attracted legendary athletes and big names in the sport will feature 21 km and 10km races for elite runners, 5km race for family fun run, 1 km run for children and 5km tricycle for people with disabilities.

Registration for the race has kicked off in earnest as the organisers race against time to tie up loose ends ahead of the flagship event.

Athletics Kenya (AK) Nyanza North Region Secretary Thomas Ogwacho said the run which coincides with Kisumu Tourism Week and UN World Tourism Day celebrations that will run from September 23rd to September 27th targets to promote the Kisumu County greening initiative and at the same time scout and nurture athletics talent.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyongo, Ogwacho said the race targets to raise Sh. 13 million towards the initiative with part of the money to be paid out to the winners.

The winners of the 21km race (male and female), he disclosed, will walk away with Sh. 250, 000 each making it the largest athletics event in the lake region this year.

Besides cash awards, winners in the other categories will also receive medals, trophies and certificates.

AK, he added, has partnered with Mtalii Africa, County Government of Kisumu, Kenya Industrial and Development Institute (KIRDI), Tourism Fund, Kenya Airports Authority among others to make the event a success.

"We are very grateful for the support we have received so far from the county government and there is no doubt that this race will be successful," he said. “We encourage all athletes to register for the race as many athletes have made it to the world map through such events,” he added.

Legendary athletes among them retired marathoner Catherene Ndereba will be at hand to offer mentorship and guidance to upcoming athletes who have registered for the event.

He urged all upcoming athletes and those who have a passion for the sport to register and take part in the inaugural event to gain experience and sharpen their skills.

Registration is ongoing www.kisumucityrun.com and at Kisumu Huduma Centre, Tuffoam Mall and Khetia Supermarkets.

Registration for adults is Sh. 2,100 and kids Sh. 1,500 while those who wish to sponsor the event can send cash donations to the organizers or book exhibition space at Sh. 20, 000, exhibition booths (6x6m) at Sh. 50,000 and (3x3m) at Sh. 30,000.

According to the organisers, the race will start and finish at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports ground while the fun run will start at the Kisumu Museum and end at Kisumu Impala Sanctuary.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o said the race resonates with the UN Tourism Day theme-Tourism and Green Investment.

This, he said, would foster responsible and mindful tourism practices that not only showcase the splendour of the region but also ensure the preservation of the environment and wellbeing of local communities.

The run, he said, will go a long way in showcasing Kisumu’s key attractions as the county government moves to make the city a key tourist destination. “I invite everyone to join us during the Kisumu Tourism Week in Making Kisumu City Run a resounding success even as we celebrate the United Nations World Tourism Day 2023,” he said.

Courtesy ; K. N. A