All systems go as the Kisumu City Road run takes centre stage.

As World Tourism Day approaches, Kisumu County is set to host the fourth edition of the Kisumu City Road Run on Sunday, September 24, on the streets of Kisumu. The main theme of this year's edition is to commemorate United Nations World Tourism Day as well as promote Kisumu's green economy.

The race will feature 21km and 10km for elite runners, a 5km family fun run, and a 5km race for people living with disabilities. The winners in both the men's and women's 21km races will go home Ksh250,000 richer. Second-placed athletes will receive Ksh150,000, while the runners-up will be gifted Ksh100,000.

The top 20 athletes in each event will be awarded. There will also be medals, trophies, and certificates.

The race will start at Angawa Avenue, a vibrant location that perfectly captures the spirit of Kisumu City. The finishing point will be at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground. The fun run will start at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground and end at Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. Organizers are expecting at least 5,000 elite and fun runners.

The registration process started on Tuesday and will close at 8 a.m. on September 24. The registration fee is Ksh2,100, and interested participants can register at the United Mall, Huduma Center, Lake Bain Mall, Kisumu International Airport, Mega City Mall, West End Mall, Quickmart, and Khetias supermarkets. Runners can also register online.

Race organizer Patrick Ochieng said that they were keen to rekindle the spirit of athletics in Kisumu. She pointed out that it was in Kisumu that Kenyan athletics began 70 years ago before spreading to Kisii and the Rift Valley. The county has also organized a tourism week from September 23 to 27 as they look to promote the Kisumu Greening Initiative.

"It will be the fourth edition, and we are calling on everyone to come out in large numbers. and we welcome you all. We will have a bounty of cash prizes for the winners. It will be a week of honoring tourism and the green economy," he offered.

Athletics Kenya Nyanza South chairman Joseph Ochieng appealed to the county to make the run an annual event. Ochieng is also a World Athletics race-walking judge.

"As AK, we are ready to give you the necessary support to make the event a success. We want to have a memorable and enjoyable event. This will not just be about the race. It is a celebration of community and healthy living, connecting with friends, and making friends," Ochieng concluded.

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