Baringo to Host Inaugural Uzalendo Half Marathon for Education

The Eldama Ravine Education Foundation (EREF), in partnership with Uzalendo School and Athletics Kenya Baringo, has officially launched the 2026 Uzalendo Half Marathon. Held under the theme "Running for Patriotism, Education & Kenya's Future," this sporting event is designed to raise critical funds to support the education of bright but financially disadvantaged students while simultaneously promoting national patriotism, talent development, and community engagement.

During the launch, ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui emphasized the transformative power of the initiative. He noted that since its establishment in 2016, Uzalendo School has educated over 1,000 students, with 397 learners benefiting from full scholarships funded by the EREF through a cumulative investment of more than KSh54 million. The school continues to produce graduates who go on to become industry leaders and dedicated community contributors across the nation.

The marathon offers a total prize purse exceeding 1.5 million Kenya shillings across its various competitive categories. Proceeds from the event are earmarked for a focused impact strategy: 80% will be invested in the Uzalendo Endowment Fund to ensure sustainable scholarship financing, 15% will support essential infrastructure development at Uzalendo School, and 5% will fund community social responsibility initiatives within the Eldama Ravine and Mogotio sub-counties.

Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage, Hon. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, urged Kenyans to rally behind the cause, highlighting that investing in education is a profound act of patriotism. She called upon the private sector, development partners, and the public to unite through sport to help ensure that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the opportunity to realize their full potential.

To encourage broad participation across all age groups and sectors, the event will feature several race categories, including the 21-kilometre half marathon, a 10-kilometre race, a 5-kilometre youth run for students, a 5-kilometre corporate fun run, and a 2-kilometre children's dash.

The inaugural edition of the revived marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 18 July 2026. The race will commence at Emining Junction in Mogotio Sub-County and conclude at the Koibatek Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) Grounds in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County. The event expects to draw a diverse crowd of elite athletes, amateur runners, corporate entities, and members of the public from across Kenya and the wider East African region.