NAIROBI, Kenya, October 3 – It is that time of the year where human beings compete in close proximity to wild beasts for honours and charity with the fifth Kenya Airways Masai Mara Marathon set for the gun on Saturday.
The added incentive for this year’s running is that top five winners in the main events will receive sponsorship to participate at the 2014 London Marathon from the national carrier where over 1000 local and international athletes are registered to take part.
Lemek Conservancy, the extensive tract of land where the intricate balance between humans and wildlife is exercised in the world famous tourist attraction will be the backdrop for the races that besides the main 21km runs also include five kilometre events for fun runners and corporate teams.
Kenya Airways’ CEO, Titus Naikuni, said the airline is looking forward to welcoming the participants to the marathon, which has distinguished itself as a key fixture in the sports calendar since its inception in 2009.
“The Marathon has always been an important event to us because of the role it plays in, not only nurturing and promoting talent, but also providing an avenue for spurring development in the societies that we operate in” the CEO stated as the carrier sponsored the event to the tune of Sh58 million.
The funds raised in the event will go towards supporting education facilities, access to medical infrastructure, improvement of sanitation utilities, anti-poaching projects and provision of clean drinking water to its residents.
Proceeds from last year’s marathon went towards a dining hall and dormitory construction project in Namunyak Girls Secondary School in Lemek, which is aimed at enhancing the educational experience for the Girls who drop out of school due to long distance travel and the pastoralist way of life.
Nicholas Kipkemei and Divinna Jepkosgei won last year’s edition.
