The County Government of Uasin Gishu has organized and funded one of Kenya's biggest marathons, the Eldoret City Marathon.
The County Government of Uasin Gishu is sponsoring the Eldoret City Marathon, a race offering up to Sh10 million in prize money.
The first leg of the race will be run on April 22, 2018. Athletics Kenya through its President General (Rtd) Jack Tuwei, said it has been incorporated in the calendar of events.
Those who spoke were optimistic that in the next few years, the race will have grown to the level of lucrative, high profile Big City Marathons, the Abbot World Marathon Majors.
The Eldoret City Marathon has been launched, not only giving the world's mecca of athletics some respect, at last but to push for action for Climate Change.
Speaking during the official launch of the race on Monday, Governor Mandago said the race has its premium agenda as moving to tackle the effects of climate change.
The theme of the marathon is 'Climate Action.'Governor Mandago has been pushing for the government's declaration of Kaptagat Forest as a water tower."
The premium agenda of this race is to raise awareness and sensitize on the need to react fast on the effects of climate change."
"Felling of trees and uncontrolled logging, for example, may not appear as having any effects at once, but in future, it will have adverse effects that may not be reversible," said Mandago.
Kaptagat Forest sits on the border of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties and is a crucial catchment area for several wetlands.
However, logging being done threatens the future quenching of thirst in many parts of the region.
Governor Mandago is pushing for the forest to be gazetted as a water tower, then logging activities will stop.
Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno emphasized on planting more trees. He is particular on reafforestation.