Olympic Wazalendo Sign Up for G4S Karura
2 August 2011
NAIROBI, July 26, 2011: This year’s G4S Karura Cross-Country Challenge has attracted a classy field of former Kenyan Olympians, led by the 1987 World Marathon Champion, Douglas Wakiihuri, and former world 10,000 metres champion Sally Barsosio, who are keen to run for conservation.
Other legends who have also confirmed their participation in the eco-run include Paul Koech, the Kenya Defence Forces’ 1998 world half marathon champion and multiple Kenyan cross country and 10,000m champion and Mathew Birir the steeplechase winner at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Another Barcelona Olympics gold medallist, 800m star William Tanui and Jonah Birir, the former World Junior Champion in the 800m who also finished fifth in the 1,500m final at the 1992 Olympics.
The superstars have appended their signatures for the July 30th event that will begin and end at the Kenya Forest Environmental Education Trust (KFEET) Centre, in Karura Forest.
“Our participation in the G4S Karura Cross Country Challenge, gives us an opportunity to play a key role in securing the environment, and more so in conserving this unique urban forest reserve”, said Wakiihuri.
Meanwhile more than 15 corporate teams have confirmed participation in the fun challenge; these include Kenya Shell, Nation Media Group, AON Minet, the British High Commission, EABL and Tribe Hotel.
Other sponsors in kind include; Viva Total beverages who will give gift bags to the winners, Access Kenya will provide internet connection for the event, and Tribe Hotel – free massage to the participants.
The other corporate participants include Fairview Hotel, Sankara Hotel, Magnate Ventures, and Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) amongst others.
“We are very excited with the tremendous response the G4S Karura Cross-Country Challenge has received both from corporate and individual participants. G4S’s participation in this event is in line with our corporate CSR policy,” said Eng. Jack Muchira, G4S Deputy Managing Director and Corporate Affairs Director.
G4S is aware that our business activities have a direct and indirect impact on the natural environment, and we remain committed to managing and minimizing those impacts in a responsible manner. G4S recognizes the threat to Karura forest and the community that benefits from this natural resource.
“The G4S cross-country challenge aims at mobilizing funds towards securing the future of Karura Forest. This inaugural has elicited wide participation from both corporate and individuals. I urge those who have not registered for the fun race to take advantage of the remaining slots,” concluded Jack Muchira.
So far 450 participants have registered for the forest run, with 150 entries still open. Registration is ongoing at the following designated outlets: G4S headquarters at Witu Road, Hilton Hotel, Westlands and Gigiri. Interested participants can pay the Kshs 1,000 through the outlets or register online at http://g4s-karurachallenge.com/register.php. Payment can also be made through MPESA PAYBILL no. 111336.
At the same time, Race Director, Robert Obanyi revealed the race course will start at the Kenya Forest Environmental Education Trust (KFEET) Centre off Limuru Road, and proceed through a riverside with a descent to a bridge crossing past a butterfly pond and back to the KFEET centre through the Lily Lake.
“There will be a 3KM flat sprint section along the race course, leading to an acute corner that will take the runners through the creepy Mau Mau trail (for which the 16km race is named),” said Obanyi.
Obanyi also revealed the different races will be color coded on the race bibs as well as the route to distinguish the different race categories. These include orange for the 5KM Corporate Challenge, Green for the 16KM race, and Purple for the 9KM race. Participants are advised to look out for their color codes on the route for directions.
The organizers have also made elaborate logistical plans to ensure safety and security for the participants and spectators. These include a deployment of 150 guards by G4S to man the parking at ICRAF, and a medical tent manned by soldiers from the British High Commission, amongst others.
Entry for non participants will be free between 6:00 am and noon. Thereafter, charges at the gate will be Ksh.100 for adults and Ksh.20 for children.
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About G4S
G4S is the world’s leading Risk management and secure logistics provider with key
operations in over 100 countries across six continents. In Kenya G4S has set up the
pace in Risk management solutions for decades backed by a team of over 15,000 highly
skilled staff. The company provides specialist security solutions to over 5,000
customers across a range of sectors including: government, utilities, financial
institutions, leisure and tourism, and transport.
For more information on G4S, visit www.g4s.com.