First Lady half marathon

The second edition of the First Lady's half marathon coincides with international women's day this year.

Prize money for the 21km race totals KSh 5.6 million, with KSh 500,000 each for the fastest man and woman, considerably more than the KSh 200,000 awarded each last year.

The race is to raise funds for the Beyond Zero campaign to reduce child mortality in Kenya (there are 488 deaths for every 100,000 live births) and to prevent HIV among children.

According to Kenyan government figures 9,400 babies were born with HIV in 2013 and HIV-related complications accounted for 15 per cent of deaths among children under five. The organisers are hoping to double the participants from the 20,000 who signed in last year.

The first lady, Margaret Kenyatta, will be taking part and she is encouraging other politicians and their wives to sign up.

More details and registration forms are available on the Beyond Zero website. Nyayo stadium is the start and the finish of the race.