The county government of Uasin Gishu is planning to ensure at least one million tree seedlings are planted ahead of the annual Eldoret City Marathon.
The marathon which is on its second edition this year will be held in Eldoret town on April 21.
Speaking during the official launch of the Marathon at the Eldoret Club on Monday, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago said a week before the event, there will be a tree planting exercise in each of the 30 wards across the county.
The governor further said they will be using the event to push key learning institutions and corporate organizations that own land in the county to ensure at least 10 per cent is under forest cover.
“We are running for a course and everyone needs to join us in planting trees,” noted Mandago.
“This should be the biggest Marathon in the world,” he added.
The Eldoret City Marathon was founded under the theme ‘Climate Action’.
During the inaugural edition last year, over 100,000 tree seedlings were planted across the county.
Prize money for the Marathon remains the highest in the country as the top athlete for both male and female will walk away with Sh3.5 million.
“We will be awarding the first 20 athletes in both main races and our total prize money set aside is Sh18 million,” said former athlete Moses Tanui who is the Director of the Eldoret City Marathon.
Stanbic Bank, which is among the main sponsors for the Marathon presented a Sh5 million cheque to support preparations for the event, while Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company Limited (ELDOWAS) presented a Sh1 million cheque.
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