Nandi Road Race: Organizers target register of 600 athletes by Sunday morning

The organizers of the Re-discover Nandi Road 10km event are racing against time to register at least six hundred athletes ahead of showdown on Sunday in Kapsabet.

The event, that is enjoying sponsorship from the leading gaming firm Mozzart Bet for the second year running will be entering its 13th edition this year.

The organizers had registered in excess of one hundred and fifty athletes by noon on Saturday and are hoping to meet their target before the deadline that stands at 7:00 AM, Sunday.

Last year, at least four hundred athletes took to the course with Emmanuel Bor and the 2021 Valencia Half Marathon gold medalist Nancy Jelagat reigning supreme. 

According to the race director, Athanas Oscar, interested athletes will part with Ksh. 300 with Namgoi Mixed Secondary School being not only the finishing point but also the registration point.

"We are sure that by Sunday morning, we will have registered at least six hundred athletes. Our target is to lure four hundred runners for the men's category and two hundred ladies'. It is a common phenomenon for athletes to express interest late," he said.

Oscar, further expressed optimism that revered athletes from the area that boasts of churning out enterprising Athletics talents since time immemorial and will grace the event.

Bor, who needed 28 minutes and 41 seconds to win the race last year has already confirmed plan to defend his title despite having returned late from Gabon where he participated and won the 10km de Port Gentil race last Sunday.

"The race provides a good avenue for top athletes to warm up for bigger challenges out there and I am certain we will have a good number participating,"he said.

The winners of the race will pocket Ksh. 80,000 with the runners up taking home Ksh. 60,000.Third place finishers will get Ksh. 50 000 from Mozzart Bet, who have committed to also reward the top ten athletes from either category.