This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has announced plans to host the inaugural Mt Kenya Mountain Running Championships on February 22, 2020, with the goal of raising over Sh50 million to combat cancer in the region.
The funds will be raised through corporate sponsorships and registration fees of Sh2,000 per participant, with the aim of attracting 5,000 participants across five categories.
The races will start at the Kenya School of Adventure and Leadership, located at an altitude of 2,800 meters, and will take athletes through the Mount Kenya Forest tracks, with the 12km races reaching an altitude of 3,130 meters.
Proceeds from the races will be used to establish the Meru Cancer Centre at Meru Level Five Hospital and a sanctuary for the endangered mountain bongo and rhinos.
Meru is one of the 11 counties with a high prevalence of cancer, with men and women at a higher risk of prostate and breast cancer, respectively.
Speaking at the launch of the event, Governor Murungi stated, "We want to offer participants a unique sporting opportunity to challenge the heights of Mount Kenya as well as raise funds for the noble course."
He added, "We also intend to showcase the county as a tourist and investment hub."
The elite winners of the 12km races will take home Sh500,000 each, while runners-up will pocket Sh250,000 each, and second runners-up will receive Sh100,000.
