The State Department for Sports, in partnership with Athletics Kenya and other stakeholders, has launched the inaugural Great Murang’a Community Run set to take place on May 31 in Murang’a County.
The event, which was officially unveiled on Thursday during a media launch led by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants from across the county.
Speaking during the launch, Mwangi described the Great Murang’a Community Run as a landmark event that marks a new chapter in talent development and community empowerment within the county.
He said the race, the first of its kind in Murang’a, has been designed not only to promote athletics, but also to support efforts, aimed at fighting substance and drug abuse among young people.
According to the PS, the initiative seeks to provide a constructive platform, where youth can nurture their sporting talents, while being encouraged to keep away from harmful behaviors.
Mwangi noted that through collaboration between government agencies, corporate organizations, sports stakeholders and community groups, the event is expected to drive meaningful socio-economic transformation in the county.
He observed that the run will also help position Murang’a as a growing sports destination and tourism hub, complementing the county’s strong agricultural background.
“This event is about more than athletics. It is about empowering communities, identifying and nurturing talent, promoting healthy living and creating opportunities for young people,” Mwangi stated.
The race will feature several categories, including 10km, 8km, 6km, 5km, 2km and 1km races, giving participants of different age groups and abilities an opportunity to compete.
Schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions (TVETs), universities, elite athletes, corporate teams, junior athletes and veterans have all been invited to participate in the event.
Mwangi further explained that the inclusivity of the run is aimed at strengthening unity and social cohesion within the community.
“In the spirit of inclusivity, everyone has been given an opportunity to participate and become part of this historic event,” he added.
The PS also highlighted the ongoing government investments in sports infrastructure in Murang’a County, aimed at nurturing emerging talent.
He revealed that the government is currently constructing the Mumbi and Gakoigo national stadiums, while two sports academies are also being established to help identify and develop young athletes.
Mwangi challenged young people to embrace sports as a career, saying athletics and other sporting disciplines continue to offer life-changing opportunities and financial rewards to successful athletes.
The launch ceremony brought together senior officials from Athletics Kenya, government administrators, internationally recognized athletes from Murang’a County and representatives from the corporate sector, including financial institutions, manufacturing firms and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada).
Speaking during the event, George Kimani, chairman of the Athletics Kenya Murang’a branch, said the community run will offer a valuable opportunity for young athletes to showcase their talents.
Kimani noted that participants aged nine years and above will be allowed to compete, adding that elderly people are also encouraged to take part in the race.
He said winners in different categories will receive trophies and appealed to more partners and sponsors to support the initiative to ensure its success and sustainability in the coming years.
By Bernard Munyao
