Some of the biggest names of long distance running will be featuring in the inaugural Airtel Afrika Mashariki Fest half marathon.
Olympic and world champion Stephen Kiprotich, former world record holder Wilson Kipsang, New York Marathon champion Mary Keitany and former London marathon winner Edna Kiplagat have all confirmed participation.
“We are good to go,” said event organiser Ronex Kisembo, however stressing that much as the stars will run, they will not be competing for the sh30m at stake.
“They are here by virtue of being Afrika Mashariki Fest ambassadors. They are supposed to morale boost upcoming talent.”
International Association of Athletics Federation certified route maker Faustino Kiwa has finalised drawing the 21 and 10 kilometre routes.
The winner of the 21km race will get sh5m, runner-up sh4m and third finisher sh3m. The fourth placed runner will get sh2m and fifth sh1m.
The 10km race has a sh3m top prize, sh2m for the runner-up, sh1m for third place and sh750,000 for the fourth runner. The fifth gets sh500,000.
The 21km event is for men while the 10km is for both men and women. Activities to climax the event will include a display of paintings by the youth.
These will be under the theme “The East Africa I would like to live in.” The winning piece will be displayed in the EALA Parliament
and other Parliaments of partner states. This will attract a cash prize of sh1m.
Afrika Mashariki Fest chief adviser Gen. Elly Tumwine and other judges will decide the winning piece. Registration for the races is ongoing at Nakumatt branches of Oasis Mall, Bugolobi, Bukoto, Acacia plus Ntinda and Nakawa Capital Shoppers.
Other centres are New City Supermarket on Ham Shopping Centre, Nakivubo and Airtel outlets or head office, Shoprite-Entebbe road, Shoprite Lugogo and Airtel Plaza.
Courtesy of in2eastafrica.net