Kiprotich prepares for Afrika Mashariki marathon

By James Bakama

The Airtel Africa Mashariki Fest (AMF) Half Marathon will attract some of the biggest names in athletics.

World champions Stephen Kiprotich, Edna Kiplagat and Ezekiel Kemboi together with former world record holder Wilson Kipsang are some of the stars warming up for the May 31 race.

Registration for the event was officially launched on Friday by NCS General Secretary Jasper Aligawesa.

The stars together with other big names like Moses Kipsiro and Moses Golola are all AMF ambassadors.

The Afrika Mashariki Fest is a non-political regional platform that engages youth in East Africa to embrace regional integration through Art, Sports and Civil Society advocacy.

The half marathon that will  have its flag-off and finish at Kololo ceremonial grounds is intended to raise funds for the platform’s projects.

The marathon’s theme is “Healthy citizens for regional integration and support to Lake Victoria Environmental Conservation”.

Participants from all East African countries have started registering for this regional run, the first of its kind.

“I call upon all individuals to register and participate in this regional run,” Aligawesa said.

The marathon is mainly sponsored by AIRTEL Uganda as the platinum sponsor.

Other sponsors include KCB Bank, KCCA, Nakumatt Holdings, Harris International, Mogas Oils, Tendo Grill and Uganda Police.

Registration is sh10,000 at selected airtel shops and Nakumatt Supermarkets.

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