Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) held its inaugural Mountain Run meant to assist needy students on campus.
The run is a relief to many students since approximately 30 per cent of them at the university struggle to afford school fees, basic needs such as food, and household essentials.
The funds that were raised will be invested in a special account to support these needy and vulnerable students.
The 14, 8 and 3 kilometres challenge brought together professional athletes, students, and members of the public for the noble course.
The high-energy event was flagged off at the University’s Marimba Campus, nestled in the hilly terrains of South Imenti Constituency, offering not just a rigorous athletic test but also a platform to champion education, environmental conservation, and community development.
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Romanus Odhiambo, said the event was not just about running but also about support for vulnerable students and conservation efforts.
“This is a historic day for us. We are not only promoting athletics and environmental awareness, but we are laying the foundation for an endowment fund that will support our most vulnerable students to achieve their academic goals,” said Prof. Odhiambo.
He revealed that approximately 30 per cent of students at the university struggle to afford school fees and basic needs, such as food and household essentials.
He added that the funds raised from the mountain run will be invested in a special account to support these needy and vulnerable students.
“This is not just a one-day affair. It’s the beginning of an annual event that will grow stronger each year. Our goal is to keep supporting the 30 percent of our student body who live below the poverty line,” he added.
University Council Chairman, Professor James Kanya, said the initiative will go a long way to keep many students in school.
“The concept was born years ago, but today it has come to life. We are proud to say Meru University is the first higher education institution in Kenya with a campus that has access to mountainous terrain, and we are putting it to meaningful use,” Prof. Kanya said.
He noted that the initiative aligns well with the goals of Competency-Based Education (CBE), which aims to integrate sports science into university curricula by 2029.
He added MUST is positioning itself as a pioneer in sports and environmental education, with the Marimba Campus envisioned as a future hub for outdoor recreation and athletic training.
“We are not only hosting a run. We are laying the foundation for a culture of holistic education that includes sports, conservation, and wellness,” he said.
Local leaders, including former Meru governor Kiraitu Mirungi, area MPs Dr Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti ) and his Tigania West counterpart Dr John Mutunga, lauded the University’s initiative and pledged continued support from the local community and leadership.
“This initiative has revived this campus, and the Marimba community is honoured to host this meaningful event. It brings pride to our region and shows that this campus has much more to offer. We look forward to its expansion into a full-fledged university,” said Kiraitu.
Athletics Kenya Mountain Run Chairman, Peter Angwenyi, also praised the university’s efforts and promised future collaboration.
“We are proud of this bold step by Meru University. Athletics Kenya is committed to supporting this annual event and helping grow talent while also supporting education,” Angwenyi said.
The competition attracted elite athletes from across the country, including members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who dominated the event.
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Michael Selelo, currently ranked third in the world for mountain running, clinched the top spot in the men’s 14km race.
He is now set to represent Kenya in an upcoming International race in Spain.
Serero was closely followed by his KDF teammates Shadrack Korir and Josphat Tuwei, who took second and third place, respectively.
In the women’s category, Gladys Sangol, also from KDF, emerged as the winner, while Regina Wambui from Nairobi and Jedidah Chepekemoi from Nakuru came in second and third.
The top prize for both men and women was KSh 200,000, while the second and third place finishers received KSh 150,000 and KSh 100,000, respectively, in the main 14 kilometres race.
The winners in the 8 km bagged KSh 40,000, KSh 30,000 and KSh 20,000 for first, second and third position, respectively.
According to participants, the inaugural run has set the stage for what many believe will become a key annual event in the national athletics calendar and, more importantly, a life-changing initiative for hundreds of underprivileged students.
Selelo noted that with its unique blend of sport, charity, and conservation, the MUST Mountain Run has carved out a niche that not only uplifts athletes but also inspires hope for students who dream of a better future.
By John Majau
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