Marathon calendar for 2018 - updated 10-Aug-2018

Marathon calendar for 2018

Run	Date	Details
1.Kilimanjaro marathon - Moshi, Tanzania	March 3 Saturday - (DONE)	42k, 21k, 10k This is a big one and I have been dreaming to participating someday.  Logistics aside, it looks like a good one and colleagues of mine who have participated confess as much.  Now in its 16th edition, this marathon has held steady over the years and I believe it is getting better with time.  I read that they have a limit of registrations to 500, 5250 and 5000 for the three run categories respectively.  The results are out and Kenya took all the top 10 places in men and women runs (42k and 21k), leaving only one no. 2 slot in the ladies’ race to the hosts.  However, East Africa is now one community and anyone in any member state is allowed to win. https://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com
2.First Lady’s Half Marathon - Nairobi (Nyayo stadium)	March (tentative 10th Saturday)- (CANCELLED)	21km, 10km, 5km This was an initiative of the Kenyan first lady to champion for medical facilities to assist women and children especially to support safe delivery.  The programme under the ‘Beyond Zero’ campaign that aimed at establishing a centre/clinic in each of the 47 counties in Kenya.  It was held for 4 years before the political storm of 2017 that affected many other marathons did not stare it either.  With heated political debates at the national arena, the organizers had no choice but to cancel the 4th edition 2017 event (which I had already registered for).  The 2018 event has not been mentioned, though it is usually held early March.  It is safe to assume it shall not be held this year either.  Could it be the end of this once great run?  The third major one in the city, after Nairobi International and Sotokoto?  The marathon event no longer features on the website, though it used to. https://www.beyondzero.or.ke/
3.Run for the bibleless - Nairobi (Uhuru Gardens)	March 10 Saturday - (DONE)	10km, 4km run/walk for charity This event celebrates its 11th anniversary this year, with 4km and 10km runs/walk in the card, to accommodate all who support the cause, from the very young to the elderly.  It is worthy of your support and participation.  Being non-competitive, it gives you time to run/walk in a relaxed environment, without the pressures that come with a competitive run https://btlkenya.org/index.php/rftb
4.Rift Valley marathon - Mosoriot (Eldoret)	March 17 Saturday - (DONE)	42k, 21k, 10k Mosoriot is located 30km from Eldoret and this marathon is another one held at the home of champions.  It was not well publicized, despite the main sponsor in 2018 being Kwese free sports, a leader in sports broadcasting in Kenya.  Being in the 6th edition, they can surely do better.  There is no follow-up information on whether it was held or not.  What we can see is a KShs.1.9M sponsorship cheque, and a photo op for the sponsors.  Their website is informative about accommodation option, which resolves one hinderance when planning for marathons out of your home town https://riftvalleymarathon.com/
5.Mater Heart Run – Nairobi (where it all began)	May 26th Saturday - (DONE)	10k walk/run for charity Usually held at Nyayo stadium but venue may change to Uhuru park due to ongoing renovations at the stadium.  The website does not give the count of the number of runs that the event has held since when.  However, from reading and interpretation, the Cardiac Programme at Mater started in 1995, with the run being the main fund raising event.  That would mean that this is the oldest run in Kenya now on its 24th edition in 2018. Now the run in held in 8 other towns on the same day (Mombasa, Machakos, Mumias, Kisumu, Nyeri, Meru, Nakuru and Eldoret) http://materheartrun.com/
6.Kericho international marathon - Kericho	May (tentative, 12th Saturday) - STATUS UNKNOWN	42k, 21k, 10k The marathon should be doing its 10th edition.  However, the only information available is from a 2014 article, "Following embarrassing confusion last year where some athletes covered 52km instead of the standard 42.195km, the organizers of the fifth Kericho Tea Board of Kenya International Marathon have been put on notice..." (*CapitalFM, 2014).  Their FB page was last updated in 2013 when they were advertising this May 4th run that resulted into that half-century milestone.  I am not sure if they even held the May 10th event in 2014 since there is so little information about this marathon, which is another one in the home of champions. https://www.facebook.com/events/372602532857770/ *CapitalFM (2014). "Kericho marathon put on notice". Retrieved 19-Mar-2018 from https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/sports/2014/04/04/kericho-marathon-put-on-notice/
7.Mt. Kilimanjaro marathon - Moshi, Tanzania	June 24 Sunday STATUS UNKNOWN	42k, 21k, 10k I wonder why two marathons should be held in the same town, with names that are almost similar.  I had to really search around to differentiate the Kilimanjaro marathon and the Kilimanjaro marathon Mt.  The marathon is a 4 loop event on a 10.5km course, starting at Moshi country club.  They state that they are doing this event for the 28th year - isn't that a record!  The details of route, accommodation etc. are a bit sketchy, but a 12-day package that includes the marathon and mountain climb costs $5,300 or one can forego the climb and pay $3,400. http://www.mtkilimanjaromarathon.com/
8.Lewa marathon - Lewa (Conservancy - closer to Isiolo than Nanyuki)	June 30 Saturday (DONE)	42k, 21k The 18th edition of the run features both the full- and half-marathon events.  This run observes strict registration deadlines and runner limits... and to prove the point, the have already closed registration for the full and half marathons for 2018!  They have a well laid out website that is fully informative.  For now, 'entry for the children's 5km race and spectators are still open' according to the site.  I like the '...and spectators' registration. https://www.safaricom.co.ke/safaricommarathon/
9.Sotokoto marathon – Nairobi (Uhuru Garden)	July (confirmed for 1st July, Sunday) *DONE: Changed to a shorter 10k and held at Muguga	21k, 10k, 5k This is one of those erratic runs in the city.  Their main challenge is lack of a solid sponsor.  They have relied on sponsorship from Japan but this seems not to have been guaranteed.  They have not been able to do the run annually, with last year being another skipped year though they it was held their 6th edition in 2016, which I attended.  Before then, their last run was in 2013.  With no website and a stale FB page, then there seems to be rough times ahead for this beautiful event  https://www.facebook.com/sotokotomarathon/ http://www.sotokotomarathon.co.ke/
10.Mwea classic marathon - Mwea (Mwea Seconday School)	July (tentative 21st Saturday) STATUS UNKNOWN	21k, 10k, 5k They are doing Mwea-9 this year.  That is quite encouraging, from humble beginnings to almost the 10th anniversary.  Keep going Mwea marathon.  I have heard of this marathon in the same period, hence their publicity is improving.  They could learn something from Ndakaini marathon if they want some competition from the veterans in the city, but maybe they want to keep the competition local? http://mweaclassicmarathon.co.ke/
11.Menengai Geothermal marathon - Nakuru	August (tentative 18th Saturday)	21k, 10k The last time I heard about this marathon was in 2014.  I doubt if there has been any other marathon since.  They do not have an online presence, apart from an FB page that was last updated in 2014, when they held their 3rd edition.  It seemingly has quite beautiful scenery and was one of the marathons on my wish list.  That wish may just remain that, a wish. https://www.facebook.com/menengai.marathon
12.Ndakaini marathon - Ndakaini, (Gatanga, 45km from Thika)	September (tentative 8th Saturday)	21k, 10k, 5k This has also been quite a consistent marathon and I can attest to its growth over time, in terms of organization, logistics and number of participants.  It started in 2004 and shall be on Ndakaini-15 this year, which is quite something.  The organizers recognized the importance of participants from the city since inception, and have been providing transport from and back to Nairobi for those who want to get to the venue.  This has helped a great deal.  It is traditionally held on the 2nd Saturday of September, apart from last year when it was moved to the last Saturday forcing me to miss out since I was free for the second but not last Saturday.  They should know that we also run on tight schedules and postponing is not a good option! http://uapndakaini.uap-group.com/
13.Kass marathon - Eldoret (Town centre)	September (tentative 18th Sunday)	42k, 21k, 10k This marathon was gaining reputation as the big thing in North rift and had consistently managed to hold the event with a 10th year anniversary in 2016... then they failed to hold the event last year.  We hope that their stoppage was temporary and that they shall be hosting us this November for yet another run with the champions.  I am keen to participate in this run this year.  They better not let me down http://www.kassmarathon.com/
14.Mombasa marathon - Mombasa	September (tentative 30th Sunday)	42k, 21k, 10k, 5k I cannot believe that this event celebrated its 34th edition in 2017! (though Wikipedia states that last year's was 33rd).  It would mean that it is twice older than Nairobi marathon, just when I thought Nairobi marathon was king of marathons!!  I can only imagine the 'heat' that this marathon faces!  Running at sea level in high humidity and high temperatures.  I want to pertain of this, though it shall compete with Ndakaini marathon which is on the same month - but two is better than 1.  Unfortunately, they do not have an online site that is upto date.  Their FB page was last updated Jan. 2016, seriously!) https://www.facebook.com/MombasaInternationMarathon/
15.Madoka  half marathon - Ngerenyi, Taita Taveta	October (tentative 27th Saturday)	21k, 10k, 8k, 6k, 4k, 2k The first worry would be how to get there.  It is not one of the most accessible places and hence you must plan your travel well and find your way to the venue at least a day before the run.  Then... just enjoy the beautiful mountain terrain of Taita taveta.  It seems hot, but there is only one way to find out.  It also boasts of having the largest number of run events on the cards.  The various events are meant to encourage participation by all age groups from the under 12s to senior citizens.  The inaugural run was held in 2005, hence this year's event should be the 14th edition, if they have been consistent, which I doubt.  This is another event to spoil you for choice in October.  For those who do not know, 'Ngerenyi' (location of the run) is associates with a famous musician who had sent her fiancée, Stella, to Japan for further education, only for him to be surprised on May 17 when she came back with another guy (and a baby just to make the story complete).  That is a fully loaded story for another day, and one that I want to get to the bottom of, once I get to Ngerenyi probably this year.  To get to Ngerenyi, find your way to Voi first, then Mwatate, then Wundanyi then look around.... http://madokamarathon.or.ke/
16.Nairobi International Marathon – Nairobi (Nyayo Stadium)	October 28 Sunday	42k, 21k, 10k, 5k This has been held the last Sunday in October since inception in 2003, apart from last year when it was postponed to the last Sunday in November due to the prolonged national elections.  This is the biggest run in Kenya at the moment.  It is also the only run that has been consistent in dishing out medals and finishers certificates ever since.  You cannot imagine missing out.  While my count convinces me that this would the 16th edition, the organizers claim it is the 15th.  That would mean that they either did not do a run in 2003 or there is one year when the run was not held in this period.  Calculate for yourself. http://www.nairobimarathon.com/
17.Kakamega Forest Ingo Marathon – Kakamega (Shinyalu/Mukumu)	November (tentative 25th Sunday)	42k, 21k, 10k This is the only marathon where start and finish points are miles apart.  That means that you need to carry your luggage if you intend to run, finish and leave).  The inaugural run was held in 2015 and I doubt if they held their 2017 event.  I hope that they shall be back this year.  And, ‘ingo’ means ‘home’.  Taking the opportunity to listen to Jacob Luseno, a famous crooner from Kakamega marvel at the wonders of ‘ingo’ urging all to ‘khutsi ingo’ (let us go to our rural areas)… and this time round, for this run. http://ingomarathon.or.ke/
18.Kisumu marathon - Kisumu city	December (tentative 16th Sunday)	42k, 21k, 10k The 11th edition was run last year. I wonder if they have been consistent in the period since this is an on/off marathon that I have heard in the past few years.  I wish that they can firm up its place as a permanent event in December.  The marathon has a unique place as the only one in December and the only one at a major lake side town.  It and Kakamega marathon are the only two in the whole western region.  It also is the only other 'hot' run, apart from Mombasa marathon.  It should do better in terms of online presence and publicity.  Let them do both and I shall be with them on 16th. *no website reference available

And... can you believe that Athletics Kenya, the custodian and our authoritative source of information on all athletics events has a 509-error on their website?  For the non-savvy, 509 internet access error is for 'site non-accessible since the site has reached the bandwidth limit' in layperson language, the site cannot transfer any more data until they either increase their limit or wait for the next period with new bandwidth allocation.  Surely!!  AK cannot afford data to give us, their follows, information!!

http://www.athleticskenya.or.ke/events-calendar/

(*shows 509 error, Accessed 19-Mar-2018)

The run menu is so elaborate that runners are spoilt for choice this time round.  Just pick any three, one for charity and another two competitive ones for the adrenaline and you are good in 2018.

Barack Wamkaya Wanjawa, Nairobi, Kenya, June 19, 2018