Stage set for Kirdam Road Race as organisers target Sh10 million

Organizers of Kirdam Road Race are targeting to raise Sh10 million at the second edition of the race slated for August 24 in Baringo County.

This year’s event that will comprise 10km main race, 6km race for the youth, 5km corporate race, 2km race for the elderly and 3km wheelchair race.

According to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chair, Isaiah Cherutich over 200 athletes have already registered for the event which is geared towards conserving Kirandich dam and supplying residents of Baringo Central constituency with clean water.

“We have so far registered more than 200 athletes and we still expect more in the coming days. Our target this year is to raise sh10 million which will go a long way in realising our main objective of providing clean water to our people,” said Cherutich.

Speaking at the official launch of the race earlier today at Riadha House, Cherutich disclosed that they received Sh3 million in the inaugural edition of the race held last year with the proceeds used to purchase water tanks and pipes to supply water to residents within the vicinity of Kirandich dam.

The organisers received a boost of Sh1.5m from the Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency with Royal media services is among the main sponsors of the event.

Other sponsors include Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), Geothermal Development Corporation (GDC) among others.

Baringo Central Member of Parliament Joshua Kandie who is the patron of the race committed to make the race an annual event to help supply water to his constituents who experience adverse climatic conditions.

“Water distribution to my residents is the main objective of this race but I also want to nurture sports in the county considering Baringo has dropped slightly in athletics compared to other regions,” said Kandie.

The lawmaker has been a regular participant in major races and has thus encouraged people from all walks of life including the elderly to run in order to keep fit.

“Although I am not a top athlete but I have been running a lot, recently I competed at the Lewa Marathon and I feel fit and healthy. I encourage even the elderly to participate,” said Kandie.

The winners in the 10km race both men and women will pocket sh150000 with the top ten athletes being rewarded.

Boston Marathon champion Lawrence Cherono and four-time New York City marathon Mary Keitany who hails from the county are this year’s race ambassadors.

The main race will start at Kapsogo Centre and end at Kabarnet town.

On the eve of the event a tree planting exercise will be conducted around Kirandich dam and later on cultural festival will be held.