By GPC Sports Reporter
Fredrick Domongole and Damaris Towett emerged victorious in the elite 14km men’s and women’s races at the second edition of the Meru University Mt. Kenya Run held Sunday at the Meru University of Science and Technology’s (MUST) Marimba Campus.
Domongole stopped the clock at 48 minutes and 23 seconds to win the men’s elite race, with Manela Michael and Shadrack Kipyegon finishing second and third respectively.
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Towett claimed the women’s title in 57 minutes and one second, beating Maitha Kinuthia and Sharon Cherotich, who settled for second and third positions.
The two champions each pocketed KES200,000, while the runners-up took home KES150,000 apiece.
Speaking after crossing the finish line, Domongole attributed his victory to thorough preparation despite the demanding course.
“I came here well prepared and was confident of the win. Though the trail was tough and challenging, I had enough to see me through to the victory,” he said.
Towett said the challenging terrain tested the athletes but credited her ability to maintain her pace and composure for her victory.
“It was really tough and tricky out there, but I managed to maintain my pace and composure, especially in the last kilometres, to hold on to the lead and win the race,” she said.
The event, held under the theme ‘Education, Cancer Research & Conservation,’ began on Saturday with the planting of 3,000 tree seedlings at the Marimba Campus in partnership with the Kenya Defence Forces and the Kenya Forest Association.
Proceeds from the run will support the university’s endowment fund and cancer research, while also contributing to the institution’s efforts to support needy students.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, MUST Vice Chancellor Prof Romanus Odhiambo said the race was about more than athletic competition.
“Today was not just about running up the mountain. We ran for cancer research, conservation and supporting needy students,” Prof Odhiambo said.
“Every step taken today represented hope for someone battling cancer, a commitment to protecting our environment and a promise to give vulnerable students a better opportunity.”
He congratulated the winners and participants, saying the conclusion of the race should not mark the end of the campaign for the causes it supports.
“The race may be over, but our responsibility to these causes continues,” he added.
Successful edition
State Department for Cooperatives Principal Secretary Patrick Kiburi Kilemi congratulated the university for staging another successful edition of the mountain run, saying such events have the potential to deliver benefits beyond sport.
“Events like this go a long way in impacting all aspects of our lives, from education, wellness, health and conservation,” Kilemi said.
He challenged stakeholders to support the race to enable it to grow into one of the region’s biggest mountain running events.
“This event has the potential to become one of the biggest mountain runs in the region. I want to call upon everyone to continue supporting it, so that it can have even greater positive impact on our lives,” he said.
The race is also emerging as an important platform for promoting Meru as a sports tourism destination, combining elite competition with the region’s scenic landscapes and cultural attractions.
The second edition attracted athletes and spectators from across Kenya and beyond, including participants from Kazakhstan, placing the Meru region and its Mount Kenya backdrop on the international adventure and endurance tourism map.
Organisers say such events can generate wider economic benefits for the region by increasing demand for accommodation, transport, hospitality and retail services while promoting Meru as a destination for active, nature-based tourism.
Other winners included Walter Kipng’eno and Brenda Chebet in the 8km U20 category, Marique Marikweta and Joseph Lusike in the 8km Masters category, and Everlyn Maraba and Melvin Lmayiana in the 8km seniors’ category.
