Marathon to create awareness on cancer disease and to treat some of its patients is scheduled to be held in Busia county in December.
The marathon dubbed “Busia Half Marathon” will take place on December 15,2024 according to the chairman of Western Development Initiative Association-WEDIA Joseph Barasa who are the event’s organisers in conjuction with Athletics Kenya.
According to Barasa who was flanked by the organisation secretary general Aggrey Okunyanyi they said that the proceeds of the race whose theme is ‘Run For Cancer’ shall go towards creating cancer awareness in the County and also to help cancer patients who may be having financial difficulties to pay for their cancer treatments.
Barasa said besides the Half Marathon which shall also involve international runners, there will be 10km which will be strictly for the locals and 3km race for children under 15 years.
The event which this will be its second edition according to Barasa is expected to attract more than 3000 runners from across the Country and the neighboring country,Uganda will start at Nambale town and finish at the Busia Polytechnic.
“We have already written to various corporate for sponsorship and it is our prayer that they come on Board to support this initiative so that we can save lives in terms of helping cancer patients even as we tap and nature young talents”, said Barasa.
Barasa also said that Wedia has written to the First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto requesting her to become the chief guest during the event.
He said that the first lady is at the forefront in the fight against Cancer in the Country that`s why they have invited her to the event.
This year’s event will see participants who will emerge between number one to ten awarded with certificates.
“Winners of the Half Marathon in both men and women categories will take home Sh300000 each,Number two both men and women will receive each Sh150,000 while those in the third position will get Sh100,000 each,” disclosed Barasa.
In the 10 Kilometers race according to the race organizers the three top winners are expected to be awarded Sh200 000, Sh100 000 and Sh50 000 respectively.
All participants in the competition will be awarded with a certificate bearing logos of the organizers,Athletics Kenya (AK) and sponsors.
The first race according to Wedia officials was held in 2011 which according to them was the first ever to be held in Western Region.
It was sponsored by Coca-Cola Company through Equator Bottlers,Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Tesia supermarket and Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF)
In the 10 Kms, number one to three shall be awarded Sh200,00, Sh100,000 and Sh50,000 respectively.
All participants will be awarded with a certificate bearing logos of the organisers, AK and sponsors.
Barasa has appealed to all local leaders to come out and support in the competition preparations adding that the event will put Busia County on the global Map and also generate more revenue during the event day.
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