Zero prize money as Ndakaini Half Marathon makes comeback from three-year hiatus

The organizers of the Ndakaini half marathon have dismissed allegations that they owe athletes prize money from the last edition.

While launching the 17th edition of the race on Tuesday, the organisers explained that the event seeks to raise funds for environmental conservation. IMG Kenya CEO Peter Gacheru dismissed rumors that athletes have never been paid from the last edition

‘’The aim of the marathon is to raise funds for environmental conservation around the dam. The dam serves 80% of the water needed in Nairobi. It is a recreational event and therefore no prize money to the winners and this has been the norm, no one has ever been promised money and we don’t owe anyone. We are looking to grow the event and maybe in future we can have prize money.’’ Said Gacheru

After a three-year break, Kenya's most challenging half marathon is back and will be held on September 16, in Ndakaini, Murang'a County.

This year’s will be held under the theme: “conserving the environment and promoting sports talents at the grassroots levels.”

Billed as one of the toughest half marathons in the world owing to the challenging hilly terrain. Besides attracting local and international athletes.

The race has also nurtured some of the country's greatest long-distance runners, including Catherin Ndereba, Patrick King'eno and Abel Kirui.

The marathon will feature races across the 21 km, 10 km and 5 km categories and will be open to elite, amateur, and recreational runners.

Ndakaini Dam Environment Conservation Association (NDEKA) chairman, James Mukuna said

‘‘We are very excited to once again bring this annual sporting event after three years hiatus that was occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The steady growth of this event has been central in raising funds for the conservation of the environment around the Ndakaini Dam, a major water source for over four million Kenyans. Our plan is to plant at least 5,000 trees during this year’s event, as we aim to plant 20,000 trees in the next five years with the help of our sponsors,"

"In addition, this year, we are expanding our focus to include promoting sports talent at the grassroots level; being aware that there is a need for a holistic approach to sports development. We expect at least 3,000 participants in this year’s edition as we look to take the event to an even higher level than it was before,” Mukuna added.

Speaking at the same event, Athletics Kenya Central region second Vice Chairman, Francis Kamau, lauded NDEKA for their commitment to revive the event, which he termed as a talent hub for Kenya's sportsmen and women.

"Today marks a significant milestone in our country's sports calendar. We join hands to revamp this initiative for the benefit of our athletes and athletics enthusiasts from different parts of our country.

"This morning, as I declare this event officially launched, I would like to encourage all participants to embrace this opportunity and consider this competition as a stepping stone to future success in their athletic pursuits," he said.