Vihiga High School will on Saturday, January 31, take centre stage as the host venue of the Maragoli Hills Forest Marathon, an event that brings together competitive athletics and environmental conservation under the theme “Run to Restore – Maragoli Hills Forest.”
The race is scheduled to start at 8.00 a.m., with registration still ongoing.
The historic institution will serve as the start and finish point for the marathon, which is expected to attract hundreds of athletes, officials and spectators from across the country. Organisers say the choice of Vihiga High School underscores the school’s growing role as a hub for sporting excellence and community-based initiatives in Vihiga County.
Participants will compete in 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km race categories. Registration fees are Ksh1,000 for the 42km and 21km races and Ksh500 for the 10km and 5km events. The marathon has drawn significant interest, driven by a prize purse exceeding Ksh12 million, making it one of the most lucrative races in the region.
School administrators have welcomed the event, noting that hosting the marathon places Vihiga High School at the heart of a major national sporting and environmental activity. They said the institution is fully prepared to accommodate athletes and visitors, with arrangements in place to ensure smooth registration, security and medical support.
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Beyond athletics, the marathon is designed to raise awareness on the conservation and restoration of the Maragoli Hills Forest, a key ecological asset in the county.
According to the organisers, proceeds from the event will go towards environmental conservation efforts, aligning with the school’s commitment to nurturing responsible citizenship and environmental stewardship among learners.
Local leaders and stakeholders have lauded Vihiga High School for opening its gates to the event, saying the marathon will not only promote environmental awareness but also enhance the school’s profile while boosting the local economy through sports tourism.
As the countdown begins, Vihiga High School is expected to be a hive of activity this weekend, hosting athletes, supporters and conservation advocates united by sport and a shared commitment to safeguarding the Maragoli Hills Forest.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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