MERU, MUST , Marimba Campus.
Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Saturday held the second edition of the Mt. Kenya Mountain Run, bringing together athletes, students, university officials and members of the public in a race aimed at supporting education, cancer research and environmental conservation.
The event was held at the university’s Marimba Campus, where participants took part in different race categories, with the 14-kilometre race providing the main competition.
The race was organised to raise support for needy students while also contributing to cancer research and conservation efforts.
MUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo said the university was using the event to create opportunities for students facing financial challenges and to strengthen its contribution to cancer research.
The university has said funds raised through the initiative will help build support for students who might otherwise struggle to continue with their education. The Mountain Run programme has already supported more than 150 students through university education.
Cancer research was also placed at the centre of the event, with the university seeking to better understand the cancer burden in Meru and contribute to research that could help address the challenge.
The sporting event also carried an environmental message. More than 3,000 tree seedlings were planted at the Marimba Campus ahead of the race as part of efforts to promote conservation and environmental responsibility.
On the sporting front, Fredrick Domongole won the men’s 14km race in 48 minutes and 23 seconds.
Damaris Towett emerged victorious in the women’s 14km race after clocking 57 minutes and one second.
The winners received Sh200,000 each, while athletes finishing second and third were also rewarded.
The race attracted participants from different parts of the country and added an international dimension to the university’s growing sporting event.
For MUST, however, the biggest prize was not the money or medals. The university used the race to bring attention to three issues affecting communities across the region — access to education, the fight against cancer and protection of the environment.
As the final runners crossed the finish line at Marimba Campus, the event left behind a message that sport can be used to create opportunities beyond the field.
The second MUST Mt. Kenya Mountain Run therefore ended not simply as a competition, but as a campaign aimed at changing lives through education, research and conservation.