Chemususu Dam 21km will be top class, organisers promise

CS Sports Kipchumba Murkomen, sponsors and athletes at the launch of 9th Edition of Chemususu Dam Half Marathon at Talanta Plaza, Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

At least 1500 athletes are expected to converge in Baringo for the ninth edition of Chemususu Dam Half marathon.

According to the organisers, the 2024 edition which is scheduled for November 16, is once again set to attract big shots.

Nearly 8000 athletics enthusiasts are also projected to follow the action live along the course and at the finish line. The competition will be staged in Eldama Ravine.

Ngong-based athletes such as Joel Koech, Solomon Cheruiyot, Karen Simiyu, Peter Matelong confirmed their participation yesterday during the official launch of the race.

Last year, World Road Running (Half Marathon) bronze medallist, Catherine Reline and Anthony Kipchirchir emerged victorious.

Reline upgraded her 2022 second place to top spot in the 2023 contest.

The 22-year-old was fresh from bagging bronze in the Half Marathon at the World Running Championships in Riga.

Race Director Mathew Birir said athletes will contest for the 21km and 5km titles in the contest.

Birir, a 3,000m Olympic gold medallist (1992 Barcelona) the 2024 event will be more exhilarating.

"Apart from giving athletes the opportunity to compete and earn prize money, Chemususu Dam half marathon is championing causes in environmental conservation, education, health and agribusiness," the legendary athlete said.

He said the race supports children from needy families to access education.

Athletics Kenya's Baringo chairman Barnaba Kitilit said athletes will compete on the same course that was used during last year's extravaganza.

Kitilit said he was confident that the 2024 showpiece will be a top class event

"I have been to the course and I have listened to the fans and I can assure the participants that we are ready to stage a big race," Kitilit said during the launch.

He said adequate security arrangements had been made to protect participating athletes and fans.

"All AK regulations have been followed. I'm proud to report that the has never had any malpractices

He went on: "To comply with Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) regulations, running numbers will be handed over to AK who will issue them to the athletes."

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen lauded organisers for using the race to advance environmental conservation.

Murkomen further said that he was impressed by the organisers' decision to use part of the proceeds from the race to nurture talents.

"We will be there to make sure that our catchment areas are well protected. Chemususu forest is threatened by deforestation. I commend organizers for nurturing athletics talents. Chemususu is a serene environment which should be conserved," Murkomen said.

Race Patron Musa Sirma said participating athletes will showcase their talents.

"We are doing everything possible to ensure that athletes and fans turn up in large numbers," Sirma said.