Kiprotich to grace Sipi Falls marathon

Olympic gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich will be among over 2000 people expected to participate in the inaugural edition of the Sipi Falls Marathon due in Kapchorwa, February 28.

The run is not only aimed at developing and identifying talent in the region but is also aimed at creating awareness about maintaining the river banks of Sipi Falls.

According to Sam Bukose Chemutai the managing director of the marathon, the event is also aimed at awakening awareness in the community about the need for the youth to develop their talent on top of engaging in income generating projects through Agriculture.

"We want youth to engage in coffee growing, tree planting, bee keeping and farming. We are already engaging 400 youth from the ages of 12-30 and we shall continue having group workshops after the run to teach them on how to have sustainable livelihoods," Bukose said.

Runners (both men and women) will compete in 10, 21 and 42km races upon payment of sh5, 000 each. Already 800 runners have registered for the races that have cash prizes for the top runners in each category.

The winner of the marathon will pocket sh1m while that of the 21 and 10km races will walk away with sh1m and sh750,000, with the top ten, top seven and the top five in the 10km race also getting cash.

According to Bukose, the 10km race will start from Kawocom offices, the 21km from Stephen Kiprotich's residence while the 42km marathon will begin from the Sipi falls.

"Sipi falls marathon believes in the power of sports and growing of coffee as a catalyst for positive, social and economic change in Uganda. We support the youth through sports and agriculture to develop their talents which they can use to build sustainable livelihoods," Bukose stated.