Afrika Mashariki Ambassador Kipsang Set For London Marathon

By James Bakama

Sunday

London marathon

Afrika Mashariki Fest ambassador Wilson Kipsang will be the man to beat at the London Marathon this weekend.

Kipsang jets in London Wednesday fresh from victory at the New York City Marathon in November.

“I will be flying both the Kenya and East African flags. I am fit and should be able to do our region proud,” said Kipsang in Nairobi.

Kipsang together with Olympic and World champion Stephen Kiprotich, Moses Kipsiro, Moses Golola, Edna Kiplagat, Muhammad Mrisho and Ezekiel Kemboi are AMF ambassadors.

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.

AMF Project founder Ronex Kisembo was at Jomo Kenyatta airport to not only see off Kipsang, but also hand over the East African flag.

Kipsang, who won the London marathon in 2013, will on Sunday be up against other big names like current world record holder Dennis Kimetto, Geoffrey Mutai and Tsegaye Kebede.

The ambassadors will next month converge in Uganda for the Afrika Mashariki Fest half marathon.

Meanwhile Tendo has urged East Africans to registers for the May 31 race in Kampala.

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”.

The marathon has AIRTEL Uganda as its platinum sponsor.

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

Registration will be at Nakumatt branches of Oasis Mall, Bugolobi, Bukoto, Acacia plus Ntinda and Nakawa Capital Shoppers.

Other centers will be at New City Supermarket on Ham Shopping Center, Nakivubo and Airtel outlets of Head office, Shoprite-Entebbe road, Shoprite Lugogo and Airtel Plaza.