Preparations for the sixth edition of the Moi Kapsowar Girls Charity and Conservation Marathon have hit top gear.
Stakeholders have lauded the annual event which is scheduled for this Saturday the 13th, as a vital platform for nurturing athletic talent, championing environmental conservation, and securing the academic future of vulnerable children.
This year’s marathon places a special focus on funding education for children from underprivileged backgrounds, as well as supporting young girls who dropped out of school due to gender-based violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
According to the organizers, the event bridges the gap between sports and social transformation.
Speaking during the preparation briefings, Monicah Kimaiyo, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, emphasized the dual mission of the marathon.
”This isn’t just a race; it is a lifeline. We are running to conserve our environment, but more importantly, we are running to give a second chance to girls whose education was cut short by retrogressive cultural practices and financial hardships,” Kimaiyo stated.
Echoing her sentiments, Timothy Kilimo, the Director General of Sports Kenya, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports initiatives that drive societal change.
He noted that Kapsowar continues to be a cradle for athletic excellence, and such events help identify the next generation of world champions.
Nurturing Elite Talent
From a technical perspective, coaches and athletes are already gearing up for a highly competitive race.
Head Coach Elkanah Ruto noted that the high-altitude terrain of Kapsowar provides the perfect testing ground for emerging athletes.
”The talent pool here is immense. This marathon gives young, unsigned athletes the exposure they need to break into the international spotlight,” Ruto observed.
For local athletes like Dennis Kusimba, the marathon is more than just a competition—it is an opportunity to transform lives.
“We are training hard. Knowing that our efforts on the track are helping keep a needy child in school or planting trees to save our water towers gives us the ultimate motivation,” said Kusimba.
