Dr. Deborah Mulongo Barasa officially launching the 21- Km half marathon on Saturday November,30 2024.
By I.P. reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya.
Nairobi continues to establish itself as a premier marathon city, with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announcing the closure of Mombasa Road between Nyayo National Stadium and Museum Hill Interchange on Sunday, December 1, to accommodate a 21-kilometer half marathon.
The race, scheduled to run from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., is part of this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration.
The event, officially launched on November 30 by Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mulongo Barasa, aims to raise awareness and unite communities in the urgent fight against HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Barasa emphasized the marathon’s alignment with the global objective to end AIDS by 2030, underscoring its focus on promoting the health and well-being of men and boys living with HIV.
The marathon also advocates for early diagnosis and treatment to reduce AIDS-related deaths among this demographic, which currently numbers approximately 487,710 individuals.
Key stakeholders at the launch included the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council Chair Geoffrey Gitu, CEO Dr. Ruth Laibon-Masha, WOFAK CEO Dorothy Onyango, COG Representative Khatra Ali, Nairobi County Government officials, UNAIDS representatives, and youth advocates.
HIV/AIDS Progress and Challenges.
Dr. Barasa highlighted Kenya’s significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including an 83% reduction in new infections—from 101,560 in 2013 to 16,752 in 2023.
The number of people receiving antiretroviral therapy has nearly doubled to 1,336,681, while AIDS-related deaths have dropped by 65% over the same period.
However, challenges persist, particularly in addressing the needs of children, adolescents, and young men, who face a triple threat of HIV, early pregnancies, and gender-based violence.
Nairobi’s Marathon Momentum.
The World AIDS Day Half Marathon reflects Kenya’s growing reputation as a global marathon hub.
Upcoming events such as the Chepsaita Marathon and Item Cross Country further bolster this status.
These events not only showcase the nation’s athletic talent but also contribute significantly to sports tourism, attracting participants and spectators from around the world.
Marathons also serve as major economic drivers.
In 2023, the Boston Marathon generated over $200 million in economic activity for the city.
Similar events in Europe regularly draw international participants, boosting local businesses and tourism revenue.
Kenya aims to emulate this success, with prize money from local marathons reaching millions of Kenyan shillings and attracting elite runners.
High-Altitude Training Centers and Sports Tourism.
Kenya’s marathon legacy is supported by its high-altitude training centers.
The completion of the Chemoge High Altitude Training Center in Bungoma County could significantly enhance the region’s capacity to nurture talent.
Neighboring Uganda has seen remarkable results with the Kapchorwa High Altitude Training Center, which produced world champions like Joshua Cheptegei.
Such centers also attract international athletes, further boosting sports tourism and local economies.
Infrastructure and Collaboration.
KeNHA has emphasized the importance of seamless traffic management during the half marathon, urging motorists to adhere to diversions and cooperate with traffic marshals.
The authority’s commitment to infrastructure improvements, including recent projects like the Haile Selassie Roundabout pedestrian underpass, underscores Nairobi’s ability to host world-class events.
By combining marathon culture with the fight against HIV/AIDS, Nairobi continues to position itself as a beacon of athletic excellence and social impact.
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