(PHOTOS) Uhuru, Margaret flag off inaugural City marathon

President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret on Sunday flagged off the inaugural Nairobi City Marathon.

Dubbed Uhuru Classic, the president flagged off the marathon at Nyayo National Stadium at 7:30am.

The athletes will use the Nairobi Expressway ahead of the official launch.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said the bumper entry witnessed so far — approximately 8000 runners across four race categories — evokes hope the Uhuru Classic will be historic. 

The full marathon course starts at Nyayo Stadium and proceeds to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before moving to the city centre, which will be the spectator stage, to ABC Place in Westlands then back to Nyayo Stadium for the finish.

The organisers have prepared a place for the fans to watch 9km of the race which will be run outside the Express Highway.

The half marathon will also begin at the Nyayo Stadium, on to Ole Sereni along Mombasa Road, then to ABC Place before culminating at Nyayo. 

It will be run entirely on the Nairobi Expressway. 

The winner of the half marathon will run away with Sh2.5 million (US$2,500) and Sh1.5 million (US$1,500) for the winner in the 10km race.

Among those who are eyeing glory at Sunday's race is 18-year-old Edwin Kisaisa who says the marathon will be the perfect launchpad for his road running career. 

The Iten-based runner will be competing in the 10km race as a start as he considers himself not yet mature to compete in the half or full marathon.