Mombasa: Mombasa Maize Millers has donated Sh584 million towards the Mombasa Mega Marathon, a landmark sporting event set to take place this weekend at the scenic Mama Ngina Drive. The event, which will be held under the theme Stride for a Drug-Free Mombasa, will bring together runners of all levels for a 42-kilometre race, a 21-kilometre race, a 10-kilometre race, and a 5-kilometre fun run and walk.
According to Kenya News Agency, Athletics Kenya (AK) Senior Vice President Paul Mutwii commended Mombasa County and the organisers for their efforts in reviving major sporting events in the coastal city. Mutwii said the marathon would mark the return of a major road-running event to Mombasa, recalling the city’s rich sporting history. He added that the organisers had met all the requirements set by AK and Mombasa County, with the AK president granting permission for the event to be held.
Mombasa County Deputy Governor Francis Thoya expressed the county’s pleasure in hosting the marathon, noting that the last major event of its kind was held at Mama Ngina Drive around 2012. Thoya urged Mombasa residents to turn out in large numbers, saying the event was expected to attract visitors from across the country. He assured that the county is ready to provide security, medical support, and other assistance necessary to ensure the success of the marathon.
The Deputy Governor also challenged the youth to use the event as an opportunity to showcase their talents and promote sporting activities in Mombasa. He revealed that the county was working on plans to establish training camps for athletes, emphasizing Mombasa’s low-altitude environment as suitable for specialized athletic training. Thoya further stated that the Mombasa Mega Marathon would become an annual event, highlighting the role of sports in promoting healthy lifestyles and community development.
Representing Mombasa Maize Millers, Ambassador Omar Said noted the challenges faced in organizing the event but expressed satisfaction in working closely with Mombasa County and AK to ensure all necessary arrangements were completed. He emphasized that the main objective of the marathon was to promote a drug-free community in Mombasa, supporting efforts by organizations such as ReachOut and Mew in addressing the drug menace.
Omar said more than 1,000 participants had already registered for the event, with the 21-kilometre race expected to start early in the morning, followed by the 10-kilometre race and the 5-kilometre run and walk. He expressed optimism about the event’s success and encouraged families to attend and enjoy the marathon.
James Mwaringa, the technical official from AK, detailed the race routes, noting that the 42km race will start at Mama Ngina, covering a route through KPA to Fortanella to Docks, and returning via the Treasury Square roundabout, Uhuru na Kazi Road, and Golf before heading back to Mama Ngina with three loops. The 21km race will follow the same route with two loops, and the 5km will be a fun race for families, with all races starting and ending at Mama Ngina.
