Chemususu Half Marathon to fund water conservation

Proceeds from this year’s Chemususu Half Marathon will be channelled towards the conservation of water catchment areas which run into the multibillion Chemususu Dam.

The 1992 Olympics 3,000m steeplechase Gold medallist Mathew Birir who is the new Race Director made the announcement amid rising national concern that critical catchment areas in Mau are getting depleted.

Birir also conducted a day-long survey of the route that starts at Kaburandi along Maji-Eldama Ravine Rd through Ravine town, Moringwo, Metipso and finishes at the shores of Chemususu Dam.

Birir said Baringo Senator Gideon Moi is expected to flag off the event that will bring together over 500 athletes including World record holder Denis Kimetto whom he said will use the race to prepare for New York Marathon.

“We expect more stellar athletes from Iten preparing for various cities marathon to participate”,said the gold medalist accompanied by Lembus council of elders member and chairman of the Marathon Albert Chemitei,” Birir said.

Birir and Chemitei said the winners both men and women will walk home with Sh250,000 prize money.

Chemusu Dam sits on 220,000 hectares of the indigenous Lembus Forest.