Birir satisfied with success of 2023 Chemususu Dam Half Marathon

The 1992 3,000m Steeplechase Olympic champion Matthew Birir has lauded the steps taken in making this year's edition of the Mozzart Bet Chemususu Dam Half Marathon more attractive and successful than the previous ones.

The former World Junior 3,000m steeplechase record holder was the race director.

The event attracted a total of 104 male competitors and 47 female athletes.

"It was a great achievement because the sponsors turned out in large numbers. They have been very supportive, including the minister for roads. I think that this year's edition is the biggest since the inception of this marathon," he said.

Birir confirmed that the money raised from the event would facilitate a number of activities among them the establishment of a mega tree nursery that will draw them closer to their goal of 'running to conserve'.

"So far, we have planted 2,000 trees, and we have about 4-5k seedlings. Through this race, we are going to plant over 10,000 seedlings," he said.

Birir further pointed out that they were aiming at increasing the number of competing athletes to over 300 from the current 204.

The winners of this year's edition will have to wait for a clean bill of health from the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya before tasting the fruits of their labour on the course.

This year's edition received a major boost as title sponsor Mozzart Bet sponsored the event to the tune of Ksh 3.5 million, up from two million shillings last edition.

The event's theme of running to conserve coincided with a time when the country is on a mission to increase forest cover in the country to at least 10% from the current 7%.

The government through the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki said the drive is part of the government's plans to grow 15 billion trees by 2030.

Kenyans received a surprise this week – a special public holiday on 13 November to plant trees across the country during the heavy rainy season.

Additionally, part of the funds from the marathon were used to plant trees and help the elderly get NHIF covers since health is a concern owing to the cold nature of the area, an effect of the dam.

In line with giving the utmost support to the community surrounding the dam, the event was curtain raised with a workshop to educate the community on agribusiness.

Residents turned out in large numbers to support their home-born athletes who were representing them in one of the biggest half-marathons in the country.

Reline and Kipchirchir emerge winners of Mozzart Bet Chemususu Half Marathon

They were also entertained by cultural dancers, in addition to witnessing one of the biggest half-marathons in Kenya which is a highlight on its own.

"I am really excited to see this. The marathon is awesome, and sponsors turned up in large numbers to support this. We will definitely turn up for next year's," Anthony Keter, a resident of Eldama Ravine told Mozzart Sport.

"We really thank Mozzart Bet for the free t-shirts and caps. Thank you for supporting this marathon. We are really grateful," Dominic Kipyego who was shining in Mozzart Bet giveaways offered.