Meru County government is planning to host the World Mountain run championships in 2025.
Speaking yesterday during the third edition of Mount Kenya mountain run national championships at Ntirimiti in Mount Kenya forest, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza said her government was doing everything possible to host the event, which is expected to have numerous ripple effects in economic impact for the region.
“We have kicked off consultations with relevant authorities including Athletics Kenya and Sports Kenya and plans are underway on how we will host the events that will bring good returns mainly to our county and the country at large,” said Ms. Mwangaza.
She said if successful, the event will also be a big boost to the fight against cancer which was the main agenda behind the establishment of the annual run.
“The aim of this run is to promote sports and wellness, promoting environmental conservation, promoting mountain tourism, and creating cancer awareness. We are certain that all these will receive a big boost if we get an opportunity to host the event,” said Ms. Mwangaza.
Deputy Governor Mutuma M’Ethinkia said that the county will come up with a program to encourage young people to engage in sports as a source of income as well as ensuring they are healthy.
“This is a career like any other and we should therefore encourage our people to engage in these sports,” said Mr. M’Ethinkia.
This year’s edition attracted more than 4000 participants where the winner of the 13-kilometer race was Mr. Josphat Kiprotich who walked away with a Sh500,000 reward.
By Dickson Mwiti
