The Master of Ceremony Dr Maurice Udoto invited University Chaplain Rev. Dr Nduati to offer a prayer as the 8th Edition of the Egerton-Mau Cross Country dubbed "Run for The Mau" kicked off at the Egerton University Pavilion.
The event was officially opened by the University Council Chair Amb. Dr Hukka Wario, and it was a moment of pride and joy for the organizers and participants alike. After a hiatus due to the effects of Covid-19, the event was finally back and revamped, with various categories being represented.
The main campus of the Egerton University was the venue for the event, which saw participants from different categories competing in the races. The categories included Junior men, Junior women, Adult men over 55 years, Adult women over 55 years, and the professional men. The highlight of the event was the 10 Kilometers race, which crowned the winner.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs and Research Professor Benard Aduda represented the Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage and expressed his gratitude to the various corporates, schools, and county governments that showed up to support the event. "I wish you all the best and may the best teams win. This is the day we reflect on the issues of global warming, climate change and more importantly how to restore the Mau, our water towers and catchment areas here at home," said Prof. Aduda.
The Chief Guest at the event was the Deputy Governor Nakuru County Government Hon. David Kones, who represented Governor Susan Kihika and the County government team. The County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment, Energy, and Natural resources Dr Nelson Maara was also present.
The event was made possible through the generous support of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB Group), the main sponsor of this year's Run For The Mau event. The bank contributed Ksh. 2Million and provided branding merchandise. Led by Ms. Jenifer Muindi, KCB Group, it was a moment of sheen and shine as the Group painted the Egerton University Pavilion Green and White.
The whole dais was packed full with guests watching the races from the mounted screens and others cheering for their various teams. Athletics Kenya officiated the track event, having listed the Egerton –Mau cross country in the calendar of the country's athletics management agency. Led by Athletics Kenya President, Lt Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, the agency managed the University's event professionally.
The event was not just about the races, as it was also an opportunity for the participants and guests to reflect on the importance of environmental awareness. "This is a unique event that brings together people from all walks of life to participate in athletics, but also to reflect on environmental conservation, which is critical to our survival," remarked the Chairman of the Egerton University Council, Amb. Dr Hukka Wario.
The event was an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and restoration, particularly in the Mau region. The Mau Forest Complex is a vital water tower and catchment area that supplies water to millions of people in Kenya. However, over the years, the forest has suffered from degradation, deforestation, and encroachment, which has had severe consequences for the environment and the people who depend on it.
The Run for The Mau event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the need to restore the Mau Forest Complex. It was an excellent opportunity for participants and guests to learn about the various initiatives being undertaken to restore the forest and the role they can play in contributing to these efforts.
The event was also an excellent opportunity for participants and guests to engage in physical activity and promote healthy lifestyles. Athletics is an excellent way to stay physically fit.Run For The Mau is an annual event organized by the Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization (DMRM), headed by Professor Paul Kimurto. The DMRM plays a critical role in hosting and coordinating the event, which aims to increase awareness, promote university programs and raise funds to support the presidential initiative of planting 15 billion trees in Kenya.
