Athletics Kenya Introduces Hydration Equity Stations at All Races

To combat heat stress disparities, Athletics Kenya launched Hydration Equity Zones at all national races from May 1, 2025—placing extra water, shade, and misting fans in high-sun sectors (e.g., final 2km of marathons), where low-income and female runners often cluster. Equity isn’t kindness—it’s design, said AK Medical Director Dr. Lucy Waweru. At the Nairobi Marathon, heat-related incidents dropped 63% in targeted zones. World Athletics featured the model in its *Heat Safety Guidelines*. All race directors must now submit equity maps for approval.