Several Nairobi roads to be closed temporarily for World Aids Day marathon
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The marathon will begin at Nyayo National Stadium and follow a route through some of Nairobi's busiest streets.
Motorists and residents of Nairobi have been urged to plan ahead as several key roads in the city will be temporarily closed on Sunday, December 1st, 2024, to facilitate the World AIDS Day Half Marathon.
The marathon, which is scheduled to take place from 6 am to 10 am, aims to raise awareness about HIV/Aids and promote the health and well-being of men and boys.
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In a statement issued on Thursday, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General Silas Kinoti urged drivers and commuters to make alternative travel plans during the event.
"We regret the inconvenience this event might cause on your normal routine," reads the notice by KURA.
The marathon will begin at Nyayo National Stadium and follow a route through some of Nairobi's busiest streets.
Participants will run through key roads such as Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue, Koinange Street, and Haile Selassie Avenue.
The full route spans several key roads in the city, including Nyayo National Stadium, Museum Hill, Muindi Mbigu Street, Wabera Street, Taifa Road, Harambee Avenue, Parliament Road, Haile Selassie Avenue, and Lower and Upper Hill Roads.
Other roads which will be affected include Marathon Road, Ragati Road, Hospital Road, Elgon Road, Matumbato Road, Masaba Road, Wakihuri Road, Bunyala Road, Commercial Street, Enterprise Road, Dar es Salaam Road, Dunga Road, Lusaka Road, and Aerodrome Road.
"These roads will be closed to traffic to ensure the safety of participants," reads the notice.
Motorists have been advised to follow instructions from police officers and traffic marshals who will be stationed along the marathon route.
KURA is also encouraging the public to use alternative routes to avoid disruptions and reduce congestion in the affected areas.
Public health and fitness
The World Aids Day Half Marathon is an important annual event, aimed not only at raising awareness about HIV/Aids but also at encouraging public health and fitness.
This year's event has a special focus on the health and well-being of men and boys, with the marathon serving as a platform to address HIV-related issues affecting this demographic.
Athletics Kenya (AK) has promised to make the World Aids Day Half Marathon an international-class race in the near future.
Barnaba Korir, the Nairobi region AK chairperson, said the federation has the expertise to enhance the stature of the road race, set to be held for the first time this Sunday.
"We have international-level technical officials who have world-class experience in organising such races. We can help raise the level of this road race to international standards, given enough time to prepare," Korir said.
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