Ensoko Cross Country set for Sunday in Nyamira

The first event in the five-part cross country series that will precede the Nyamira Great Run will be held on Sunday at Ensoko in Borabu, Nyamira County.

Athletics Kenya Nyanza South chairman Peter Angwenyi said preparations for the event, dubbed Ensoko Open Cross Country, are complete and will also feature kids athletics, races for the elderly and tug of war.

Top athletes in each event will get cash prizes. 

Angwenyi said the main events will be 6km for junior women, 8km for junior men, 10km for senior men and women. 

 “This is mainly a buildup event ahead of the Nyamira Great Run on October 31. We want athletes from all the corners of Nyamira to be ready for the main event,”  said Angwenyi after inspecting the venue.

He said more than 200 athletes drawn from across the county are expected to participate, among them experienced road runner Sammy Nyokaye, accompanied by 10 training mates.

“I want to thank the county for organising the five events and the Nyamira Great Run,” said the veteran marathoner.

Gesima in Masaba North will host the second event on October 3 while Esanige in Nyamira North will play hosts to the third leg on October 10 with Manga staging the penultimate event on October 17.

The series will culminate at Sironga in Nyamira South on October 24 paving way for the inaugural Nyamira Great Run 21km race on October 31. The race will start at Chepilat and finish at Ikonge Primary School. Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo launched the race two weeks ago.

Winners of the half marathon will bag Sh250, 000, with first runners up going home with Sh175, 000 and third- placed pocketing Sh150, 000.

To motivate local runners, Nyaribo said the first local athlete to cross the finish line will get Sh100, 000 while second and third placed will receive Sh75, 000 and Sh50,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, Governor Nyaribo said people who have encroached on Ensoko playground will be evicted.

“I sent my officers to survey the land. Those who have encroached will be removed so that we build a mini-stadium,” said the Governor.