Friday, 12 October 2012

Standard Chartered Marathon might abolish 21 KM race

StanBy Fred Maingi
Standard Chartered Nairobi International Marathon that is in its tenth edition might soon lose its 21km category that is under tight discussion by the organizers and the Athletics Kenya (AK).
According to the organizers, the category might be erased to give the marathon a complete international outlook if the current talks with the federation become fruitful.
 Standard Chartered Regional Head of Brand and Sponsorship and Head of Corporate Affairs –Africa, Annie Kinuthia confirmed yesterday they are looking for various ways to improve the marathon and among the suggestions is the discontinuity of the half marathon category.
 AK secretary general David Okeyo hinted last week of a possibility of doing away with the class but only after the two parties have reached an amicable agreement in doing so.
 “It would be prudent if the race scales international standards every year and I am happy that the organizers are consulting with the federation on how to make realize this quest for international status,” Okeyo had said.
 The marathon prize money might also be increased owing to the many sponsors who have come on board to support the race this year. The winners of both men and women 42km category bags Sh1.5million each in the race. Already the race has received a Sh124 million boost for this year’s edition that will take place on October 28 in Nairobi.
 Kinuthia explained that a strong team of professionals have been engaged to make the marathon successful and raise its international status.
 It has been noted that the marathon enjoys fantastic support from the media that has helped in the creation of its awareness, driving of registration,engagement and interaction with participants  and the promotion of its core theme Seeing is Believing.

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