Big names enter Diamond Run
What you need to know:
- The race technical director John Kariuki revealed also said that they have increased registration centers across the country to ensure more runners participate. A number of sponsors including Nation FM have come on board.
- Anna Othoro, the county Executive member in charge of trade and tourism said the county government will promote the race so as to get more people to register and also turn up for the event.
A stellar lineup that includes past and present elite runners will take part in the inaugural Nairobi Diamond Run 10km run on Sunday at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.
Former 5,000m world champion Eliud Kipchoge, William Tanui the 1992 Olympic 800m gold medallist, former Olympic champion Wilfred Bungei, 2011 World Junior cross country championship will be joined with Tegla Loroupe, John Ngugi and Rose Kateya at the race.
FINISHING TIMES
According to Race Director Barnabas Korir, 2000 athletes have registered so far for the event that will see the introduction of electronic time equipment.
Every athlete will have a time chip on their running numbers so as to arrest any cases of cheating and also to get the correct finishing times.
“We want to have a clean and credible race and that is why we have chosen to use the technology,” Korir said during a media briefing in Nairobi on Thursday.
The time equipment arrived in the country from Belgium and will be handled by representatives from the Golazo Company which has sponsored a number of diamond races in Europe. There will be prize money for all the top ten finishers with the winner of the men and women races pocketing Sh250,000. The top five veteran athletes will also be rewarded.
The race technical director John Kariuki revealed also said that they have increased registration centers across the country to ensure more runners participate. A number of sponsors including Nation FM have come on board.
ASSIST IN THE ORGANISATION
Tegla Lourope speaking on behalf of the athletes urged more of her colleagues turn up and support the grace.
Anna Othoro, the county Executive member in charge of trade and tourism said the county government will promote the race so as to get more people to register and also turn up for the event.
She also revealed that they would set up a sports academy in the county and also upgrade stadia in the county to international standards.
“We want to attract athletes from all over the world to come to this race and also make it part of the world athletics calendar”, she said.
Former champion Wilfred Bungei urged the organisers to consider taking the race outside Nairobi in the future.
