Magut, Limo ready to defend Nairobi City race titles

Marathoner Eliud Magut crosses the finishing tape in a past race. [AFP]

Eliud Magut and Cynthia Jerotich Limo are expected to defend the men and women's titles at the fourth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon (NCM) set for Uhuru Park in the Kenyan capital on Sunday.

Magut will ward off stiff challenge from the likes of Lisbon, Shanghai and Paris marathons winner Paul Lonyangata in the expected cutthroat men's category.

Likewise, Limo will face strong opposition from continental beaters Sandarfelis Chebet Tuei and Philomena Cheyech in the women's marathon that has also attracted other similar Africa and global forces.

Sensational Edward Cheserek and Viola Chepngeno are also thirsting for the half marathon titles in the men and women's duels.

As has been the tradition, winners of this year's race, to be contested under the theme 'Nairobi, The City We Love' will walk home Sh3.5 million richer in both categories.

By yesterday evening, the looming showdown had already attracted 15000 participants from 75 countries, with Kenya having 13000 runners, China 375, India 103, Britain 86, Uganda 46, Ethiopia 41, Japan 40 among others.

"Full and half marathons and the 10km slots have all been filled up, we only have 500 spots in the 4km fun run. We are also working to introduce the wheelchair category next season for the sake of inclusivity," Competition Director Kennedy Tanui told Standard Sports at a briefing ceremony held in Nairobi on Wednesday evening.

Race Technical Director Ibrahim Hussein said the marathon course, to start and end at Uhuru Park, has been certified by World Athletics, meaning any record broken on Sunday will be duly recognised by the global athletics body.

"We have returned the race to Uhuru Park because of the ample space for both runners and the spectators. This is the people's park, so it will be the people's marathon," Hussein stated.

"The route has been designed to showcase the city of Nairobi as the participants cruise through the course that will snake from Uhuru Park to Museum Hill, Nairobi Expressway, James Gichuru Road, JKIA, Haile Sellasie and back to the finish point at Uhuru Park " Hussein highlighted.

National Police Service Representative Caroline Jerop, urged Kenyans to plan their travelling accordingly, as Mombasa Road, the Nairobi Expressway, and other feeder routes will be out of bounds for travellers starting Saturday evening till Sunday afternoon.

"Security will be tight at the race, Kenyans should not be afraid of attending the marathon," Jerop assured the public.