Athletics Kenya (AK) Nairobi County, in partnership with community-based organization Roysambu United, has announced the inaugural open cross-country meeting in Nairobi, scheduled for October 10 at Kasarani Stadium to mark Mazingira Day.
The event will feature a 10km race, the planting of 5,000 tree seedlings, and fundraising to support education for underprivileged students.
Organized entirely by women and led by Dr. Faith Mwaura, chairperson of Roysambu United, this event marks the first cross-country race in Nairobi held outside the official AK calendar.
Organizers anticipate over 5,000 participants, including elite athletes and local runners from Roysambu, Githurai, and Kasarani.
AK Vice President and Director of Competitions Paul Mutwii lauded the initiative, highlighting the role of women in promoting athletics at the grassroots.
“Cross-country running is a low-risk discipline suitable for all age groups, unlike road running which can be strenuous for the very young and elderly,” he said during the launch at Riadha House.
Dr. Mwaura emphasized that the race is part of Roysambu United’s Miti Millioni campaign, which has seen over one million trees planted in local schools since 2016.
“Our goal is to raise school fees for needy students and empower youth, women’s groups, and public schools. This event merges athletics with conservation, education, and health,” she noted.
Themed “Environmental Sustainability”, the event will encourage participants to plant fruit trees such as avocado for both ecological and economic benefits. Additional activities will promote breast cancer awareness and advocate for healthy lifestyles.
AK Nairobi Secretary General George Kariuki, alongside Vice Chairman Alfred Tabut, confirmed that the registration link will be released soon.
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