All is set for the Inaugural Transmara Classic Narok girl talent search athletics to be held Tomorrow at Kilgoris DEB Primary School in Kilgoris town of Narok County.
According to event organizer Becky Kogeluk, more than 1,500 young athletes between the age of 13-16 years from primary school around Kilgoris are expected to compete in the two-day competition aimed at identifying young talent in the sport.
Kogeluk, from Gigiz Sports management Limited, disclosed that athletes will battle out for honours in 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 3,000 meters races.
Apart from track and field activities, the Maasai will also compete in traditional sports such as Rungu throwing and jumping which is part of the Maa culture.
The event organizer said the event’s objective is to empower the Narok girl to ascend to the global map of athletics like the rest of the communities.
The debut event is drawing participants from the local schools and training camps from the region.
‘Once we get the fine athletes, we will be able to introduce and give them further training in the camps in places like Iten and its environs. We want them to have a feel of places where our world beaters have trained,’ said the organizer.
Gigiz director Betty Rono while lauding the sponsors and partners to the event said the race winners will be awarded cash prizes by the Narok county government.
‘Being our first event, we are delighted that the county government and the local leadership has embraced it and we are certain this event will grow to the next level.’ Said Rono
800M world record holder David Rudisha,Olympic 800M champion Mary Moraa and two times 800M commonwealth champion Wycliffe Kinyamal are expected to attend the race.
The Transmara region has produced constellation of memorable of names in the world of athletics like former 800m Billy Konchellah, his younger brother the late Patrick Konchellah, who is also the brainchild of the event ,1968 Mexico Olympics, silver medalist, Daniel Rudisha and his son David Lekuta Rudisha, who is now the World 800 M record holder.
The event will be graced by Narok governor Patrick ole Ntutu, Tourism PS John Ololtuaa, Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli among other top dignitaries
The race coincides with migration of one million wildebeest to the neighboring Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
The event organizers pointed out the need to hold activities in the region to give visitors to Masai Mara an opportunity for other experiences away from the wildebeest migration.
Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of Africa’s best known wildlife sanctuaries, a staggering 1,530 square Kilometres being home to a vast variety of wildlife.
Mara the home of Kenya`s community Maasai popularly known as Maa are well known for preserving their culture, this provides a glimpse of Africa.
Source: Kenya News Agency