Meru Mt. Kenya Run targets more than 1,500 participants in second edition

More than 1,500 runners are expected to take part in the second edition of the Meru University Mt. Kenya Run, which will be held on September 5 at the Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) Marimba Campus.

The 14km race will be the main attraction, with elite male and female athletes expected to turn out for the challenging course. Registration for the race has been set at Sh2,500.

The elite 14km winner will receive Sh200,000, while the runner-up and third-place finisher will earn Sh150,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.

Participants in the 8km race will compete across several categories, including seniors, masters for athletes aged 50 and above, students and under-20 runners. The top three finishers will receive Sh40,000, Sh30,000 and Sh20,000 respectively.

The programme will also include an 8km Corporate Run, which will cost Sh100,000 for a five-member team. The 8km CEO Challenge will require a Sh20,000 registration fee, while entry to the 3km Fun Run will cost Sh5,000. Children taking part in the 3km race will register for Sh2,500.

Meru University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo said the institution was pleased to host the event for a second consecutive year following the success of the inaugural edition.

“We are delighted to welcome the second edition of the Meru University Mt. Kenya Run, building on the success of our inaugural edition last year,” he said.

Odhiambo said organisers were targeting a larger and more successful event as they seek to build on the interest generated by last year's race.

“This year, we are looking to build on that momentum and do it bigger and better. Please register and join us for this noble event as we run for education and cancer research. The prevalence of cancer in Meru is quite high, and we want to be part of the solution,” he said.

The inaugural edition was won by Michael Selelo, who took the men's 14km race in 48:43. Shadrak Korir finished second in 48:52, while Josphat Tuwei was third after clocking 49:01.

In the women's elite category, Gladys Songol claimed victory in 56:56. Regina Wambui finished runner-up in 57:46, with Jedidah Chepkemoi taking third place in 57:52.