MERU COUNTY SUCCESSFULLY HOLDS THE FIRST EVER HISTORIC MOUNTAIN RUN.
Meru County under the leadership of Governor Kiraitu Murungi has today witnessed a successful historic athletic event, the inaugural Mt. Kenya Running Championship which was held in Mt. Kenya, at the School of Adventure and Leadership (KESAL).
The run which was also attended by the delegation of ambassadors from the European Union saw Meru's very own Purity Gitonga from Kibirichia scoop top prize of Sh500, 000 by emerging top in women’s 12km elite race. The 12km elite men’s race was won by Emanuel Bor from Nandi County
Through the Run, Governor Kiraitu aimed to raise funds to address the cancer menace in the County via multi-pronged approach by establishing a Cancer Institute which will facilitate the complete process of dealing with the disease by identifying the courses through research, increasing creation of awareness, promoting screening and even treatment to completely eliminate it from Meru.
The event also aimed to open up and promote Mountain tourism in Mt. Kenya, where Meru commands 40% of the Mountain, and also promote conservation of our environment.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Nyong’o praised Governor Kiraitu for this great and successful first ever such fete in the country. He noted that having been personally affected by cancer, today’s run was a great move towards fighting the disease, noting that this is well in line with the Council of Governors (CoG) initiatives to address cancer menace across the 47 counties.
NMG CEO Mr. Gitagama, lauded the event and pledged that the Company will continue working with the County even after the run to ensure the noble objectives behind it are successful.
Due to the magnitude of success for this first ever Meru Mt. Kenya Run, Athletics Kenya Chairman Rt. Lt. Gen. Jackson Tuwei announced that the run will be an annual event in the national athletics calendar.
