The second edition of the 2026 Uzalendo Half Marathon has been officially launched at the Icon Plaza Hotel (formerly Laico Regency), with organisers unveiling an ambitious plan to raise KES 100 million for the Uzalendo Endowment Fund to guarantee sustainable scholarships for bright but financially disadvantaged students.
Held under the theme Running for Patriotism, Education & Kenya’s Future, the marathon seeks to harness the power of sport to expand access to quality education, nurture athletic talent, promote patriotism and strengthen community participation.
Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy John Tanui said the initiative reflects the transformative role of education in building Kenya’s future.
“We are looking forward to achieving the KES 100 million target for the Endowment Fund to ensure sustainability. Education is truly the key to success, and this marathon seeks to enable more students to achieve their fullest potential through knowledge,” said PS Tanui.
The Principal Secretary noted that since its establishment in 2016, Uzalendo School has educated more than 1,000 learners, with 397 students receiving full scholarships through the Eldama Ravine Education Foundation at a cumulative investment exceeding KES 54 million.
He said the institution has consistently produced graduates who have gone on to become professionals, industry leaders and responsible citizens making meaningful contributions to communities across Kenya.
The marathon will offer a total prize purse of more than KES 1.5 million across various race categories while ensuring that the majority of the proceeds directly support education and community development.
Under the funding model, 80 per cent of the funds raised will be invested in the Uzalendo Endowment Fund to provide sustainable scholarship financing, 15 per cent will support infrastructure development at Uzalendo School, while 5 per cent will finance community social responsibility initiatives in Eldama Ravine and neighbouring communities.
The marathon has been designed as an inclusive event with categories that cater for athletes and participants of all ages, including:
– 21km Uzalendo Half Marathon (Men and Women)
– 10km Race (Men and Women)
– 5km Youth Run for secondary school and college students
– 5km Corporate Fun Run
– 2km Children’s Dash for primary and junior school pupils
Organisers said the event goes beyond fundraising by creating a platform that promotes patriotism, talent identification, healthy lifestyles, community cohesion and shared responsibility in expanding educational opportunities for vulnerable learners.
The marathon will be held on Saturday, 18 July 2026, beginning at Emining Junction and finishing at the Koibatek Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) Grounds in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County.
The event is expected to attract elite athletes, amateur runners, schools, corporate organisations, development partners, government institutions and members of the public from across Kenya and the East African region.
Through the Uzalendo Half Marathon, organisers hope to build a lasting national movement that demonstrates how sport can transform lives by investing in education, empowering young people and securing Kenya’s future through knowledge.
