VIHIGA, KENYA – On February 1, 2026, the quiet slopes of the Maragoli Hills will be transformed into a stage for athletic excellence and environmental advocacy.
The Maragoli Hills Forest Marathon, championed by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Patron Musalia Mudavadi, will take place to mobilise thousands to “Run to Restore” one of the region’s most vital ecosystems.
Why the Maragoli Hills Forest Marathon?
Adding global prestige to the event, legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge will serve as the official ambassador, running alongside participants to highlight the urgent need for reforestation.
The event will be held at the Vihiga High School grounds, offering distances of 42 km and 21 km at a registration fee of KSh 1,000, and a 10 km race for KSh 500. Winners of the marathon will receive a remarkable KSh 12 million in prize money.
Speaking exclusively to News9.africa, Maragoli Hills Forest Marathon Committee Chairman Victor Enzoveri noted that while the prizes are significant, the true victory lies in the soil. Enzoveri emphasised that the race is a vehicle for sustainable development.
“The proceeds will go to the reforestation programme, empowering the local community through improved livelihoods,” Enzoveri stated.
Unlike many one-off planting events, this initiative focuses on “tree growing” rather than just tree planting.
The chair said that the Maragoli Hills Community Forest Association (CFA) is central to this strategy.
“The seedlings planted are cared for by the community, including replacing those that have died or been eaten by termites, weeding, and scouting. This is the whole affair of tree growing,” Enzoveri explained.
A community-led vision
He added that the marathon is designed to support Kenya’s national goal of 30% forest cover and the 15-billion-tree target by 2032. By localising the effort, the committee ensures the forest’s longevity.
Enzoveri noted that they encourage local sourcing to ensure the community feels “part and parcel of the whole process,” providing essential labour for maintenance and scouting.
While this edition serves as a crucial awareness campaign, the vision is long-term.
“The marathon is meant to bring awareness to the reforestation efforts, and after the second and third editions, it will become an annual activity according to the Athletics Kenya calendar of events,” said Enzoveri.
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