Safaricom has announced that it will sponsor the sixth edition of Deaf Half Marathon to the tune of ksh. 2.5 million. The sixth Deaf Half Marathon will be held on 16th June 2019 in Kericho County.
Safaricom has sponsored the race to a tune of Ksh. 2.5 million which will cover winners’ prizes including Ksh. 100,000, Ksh. 50,000 and Ksh. 30,000 for men and women who complete the half marathon in first, second and third positions.
The race is organized by the Deaf Athletics Association of Kenya (DAAK).
“This event has become very important in our athletics calendar because it lets us know the form our athletes are in before the season begins. This year we are hosting the 1st Africa Deaf Athletics in mid-September with the national trials scheduled for August,” said Bernard Banja, Secretary General, Deaf Athletics Association of Kenya (DAAK).
Besides the 21km race, there will also be 10km for men and women who will walk away with Ksh. 50,000, Ksh. 40,000 and Ksh. 30,000 for first, second and third positions respectively.
“This race is important because of the empowerment it offers Deaf athletes which is why we continue to support different races under the Safaricom Athletics Series; because we believe the platform is important for upcoming athletes to grow and showcase their talent,” said Sylvia Mulinge, Chief Customer Officer – Safaricom.
The race, which is expected to bring together 400 deaf athletes from all over the country will feature last year’s winners of the 21KM race, Daniel Kiptum from Uasin Gishu County and Tuster Kwamesa from Kisii County.
The Deaf Half Marathon is part of the Safaricom Athletics series. The first race in the series, the Henry Wanyoike Hope for the Future Run, took place on 8th June 2019 with Michael Njenga and Lidya Njeri emerging winners.