Fredrick Domogole stopped the clock at 48 minutes 23 seconds to claim victory in the 14 KMs elite category, at the second edition of the Meru University Mt. Kenya Run, held today at the Meru University of Science and Technology’s Marimba Campus. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
In the women’s category Damaris Towett was crowned the winner with a time of 57 minutes one second, ahead of Maitha Kinuthia, and Sharon Cherotich who claimed the second and third places respectively, with Manela Michael and Shadrack Kipyegon claiming similar positions in the men’s category.
Speaking after crossing the finish line Domongole attributed his win to the hard work he had put in ahead of the race, “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.”
On her part, Towett said, “It was really tough and tricky out there, but I managed to maintain my pace and composure, especially in the last kilometers to hold on to the lead and win the race.”
Activities at this year’s edition which was run under the theme, ‘Education, Cancer Research & Conservation,’ started yesterday with the planting of 3,000 tree seedlings at the Marimba campus, in partnership with the Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Forest Association. Proceeds from the marathon will be channeled towards the university’s endowment fund as well as funding cancer research.
Speaking at the prize giving ceremony, Meru University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo said: “Today was not just about running up the mountain. We ran for cancer research, conservation and supporting needy students. 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.”
“Congratulations to all the winners and all who took on the course, the race may be over, but our responsibility to these causes continues,” he added.
On his part, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cooperatives, Patrick Kiburi Kilemi, said: “I want to congratulate Meru University of Science and Technology for hosting another successful edition of this Mountain run. Events like this go a long way in impacting all aspects of our lives, from education, wellness, health and conservation.”
“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.”
The race also plays a pivotal role in positioning the Meru region as a premier sports tourism destination by blending elite athletic competition with the area’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The event drew participants and spectators from across Kenya and beyond, including participants from Kazakhstan, putting Meru’s landscapes, anchored by the iconic Mount Kenya on the map for adventure and endurance tourism.
By hosting such races, the Meru region signals its readiness to welcome athletes, families, and fans, creating a ripple effect that boosts local hospitality, transport, and retail sectors while reinforcing the county’s identity as a hub for active, nature-based experiences.
For their efforts, Domongole and Towett both went home KES 200,000 richer, with second placed Maitha and Manela bagging KES 150,000 each. Other winners included Walter Kipng’eno and Brenda Chebet in the 8KM U20 category, Marique Marikweta and Joseph Lusike in the 8KM Masters’ category, with Everlyn Maraba and Melvin Lmayiana bagging the 8KM seniors’ titles.
