The organizers of the Ndakaini Dam Environment Conservation Association (NDEKA), have today announced the return of the Ndakaini Half Marathon after a three-year absence.
The annual event, popular for its challenging terrain and fundraising efforts towards the conservation of the Ndakaini Dam, makes its return having been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s edition, which will be the 17th since inception, will be held on 16th September at Ndakaini Dam, Murang’a County, under the theme: “conserving the environment and promoting sports talents at the grassroots levels.”
The marathon will feature races across the 21 km, 10 km and 5 km categories and will be open to elite, amateur and recreational runners.
Speaking while making the announcement, NDEKA chairman, James Mukuna said:
“NDEKA is very excited to once again bring this annual sporting event after three years hiatus that was occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The steady growth of this event has been central in raising funds for conservation of the environment around the Ndakaini Dam, a major water source for over four million Kenyans. Our plan is to plant at least 5,000 trees during this year’s event, as we aim to plant 20,000 trees in the next five years with the help of our sponsors,” said Mukuna.
“In addition, this year, we are expanding our focus to include promoting sports talent at the grassroots level; being aware that there is a need for a holistic approach to sports development. We expect at least 3,000 participants in this year’s edition as we look to take the event to an even higher level than it was before,” he added.
Speaking at the same event, Athletics Kenya second Vice Chairman, Francis Kamau, lauded NDEKA for their commitment to revive the event, which he termed as a talent hub for Kenya’s sportsmen and women.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our country’s sports calendar. We join hands to revamp this initiative for the benefit of our athletes and the athletics enthusiasts from different parts of our country.
“This morning, as I declare this event officially launched, I would like to encourage all participants to embrace this opportunity and consider this competition as a stepping stone to future success in their athletic pursuits,” he said.
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