At least 500 riders will this Sunday be battling for Ksh200,000 prize money that will be up for grabs during the inaugural Eldoret Cycling 100 race.
The race will see participants cycle 100 kilometers around the Kaptagat forest – under the theme ‘Conservation of Kaptagat forest, mitigation for climate change’.
“We want the participants to see what they are cycling for,” said Martin Keino, the race patron.
At least 300 cyclists had already registered to participate in the event by Tuesday, May 18, 2022, which is being held for the first time in Eldoret town.
Keino says the race scheduled for Sunday, May 22, 2022, will start at 8.00 am at Illula Secondary School, with cyclists having to ride through Talget Shopping Center – Kipchawar – Kaptarakwa – Nyaru – Talget and then back to Illula.
“We hope it will be the first of many, and we look forward to a competitive event,” said the race organizer.
Aside from the main 100 kilometers race, there will also be two fun rides – for 50 kilometers and 25 kilometers as well as another one for the under 20s.
There is prize money of Ksh200,000 that will be shared among the four categories that participants will be competing in.
The categories include participants using road bikes, mountain bikes, black mamba, and the under 20s.
“There is a growing cycling group here in Eldoret that wants more competition,” said Martin Keino.
The Eldoret Cycling 100 race is being sponsored by Mama Cycling – a registered association that brings together cyclists and cycling enthusiasts to promote healthy communities through cycling.
Registration for one to participate in the race is Ksh1,000 per person.
Funds raised during the event will be used to help in the restoration of Kaptagat Forest, a key water catchment area in the region.
The forest lies at the border of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
