Kiambu’s Lari Marathon set for March 1

By Mwaura Samora

Kiambu County will  on March 1 host its first marathon aimed at conserving the environment through sports.

The Lari Marathon, which aims to conserve Kereita Forest in Lari, is divided into the full and half marathons, 10kmcorporate and 5km children’s races.

“Kereita Forest, which is the biggest forest cover in Kiambu County, is one of the biggest in the country and it is painful to see it destroyed by illegal loggers,” Karegwa Muchiri, the event’s overall manager, told FeverPitch.

“The marathon is a first of its kind in Kenya and probably in Africa to have a track inside the forest. We believe the scenic sites will inspire many people”.

Apart from the marathon, there will be a three-day camping starting from Friday February 28 through to Sunday March 2.

“The camping will be at the Marathon Camp Village within the forest and it is ideal for both runners and spectators,” Muchiri said.

“Space is limited and   those interested are advised to contact us through the www.larimarathon.com to ensure they don’t miss out.”

There will be an after race concert dubbed Jazz in the Wild and hosted by DJ Styles and his Codered crew.

The race is organised by the Capacity Africa and Kereita Forest and Wildlife Conservation Association, all community based organisations around Lari.

Out of a total of 4,722 hectares that make up Kereita Forest, more than 200 hectares of indigenous forest have been cleared through illegal logging in the last two decades.

“The huge destruction of indigenous trees in Kereita Forest inspired us to organise this event,” Muchiri said.

“The money that will be generated from the event will be used to replant indigenous trees and improve the fencing,” he added.

The seedlings will be outsourced from the local youth in the neighbouring Kimende town.

The marathon, which will be a yearly event, will also create a platform for athletes from Kiambu County.

“We are working with Athletics Kenya to build a high alttitude training camp in Kereita Forest as one way of supporting the conservation effort,” he added.

“Alongside the camp will be an echo-hotel which will employ more than 70 per cent of its staff from the local community,” Muchiri revealed.

Winners of the full marathon will bag Sh300,000 while those who will finish second and third  will take home Sh200,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.

The same will apply for the half marathon. Sponsors include Kenya Forest Service, Kiambu County Government and Lucozade Sport.