Safaricom Set For Deaf Half Marathon in Mombasa

By Virginia Mwangi

Safaricom’s fifth edition Deaf Half Marathon is set to be held on 19th August 2018 in Mombasa County. 

Peter Toroitich, from Turkana County, who was a champion in last year’s Meru marathon, is expected to take part and defend his title, Daniel Kiptum, from Nandi County, Gold medalist of 2017 Sumsun Deaflympic Games and Simon Kibai from Uasin Gishu County, Gold medalists in 10,000metres and 5,000metres Sumsun Deaflympic Games are just but a few of the runners expected to take part in the marathon. 

“Most of the expected participants are already in training, and we expect a fantastic show this weekend. We chose Mombasa because of the humid weather and we aim to create more awareness of the coastal areas considering we registered fewer athletes to the national team from the region. We will use the marathon to select athletes to represent the country in the upcoming deaf champions this year,” said Benard Banja, Secretary General of Deaf Athletics Association of Kenya (DAAK).

 Safaricom PLC, as the sponsorship partner, has sponsored the marathon 2.5 million shillings. The race seeks to unite deaf athletes from all corners of the country providing a platform to display their talent. 

Winners in the half marathon will walk away with 100, 000 shillings, 1st runners-up will pocket 50, 000 shillings, 2nd runners-up will earn 30, 000 shillings.

Winners in the 10 Kilometer race will pocket 50,000 shillings while 1st runners-up will get 40, 000 shillings and 30,000 shillings for the 2nd runners-up respectively.

 “We celebrate diversity and inclusivity in all aspects. To us inclusivity goes beyond just hiring people with disabilities, it is about giving them the same opportunities for career growth. This is why we have consistently supported this marathon to its fifth edition. Giving deaf athletes an opportunity such as this is for sure transformational,” said, acting Director Consumer Business, Safaricom, Charles Kare.