Guest of Honour KCB Corporate Banking Manager Rebecca Likami converses with Egerton University Council Chairman Dr. Reardon Olubayo during the Mau-Egerton University Cross Country 2015 Edition at the Sports Pavilion.

Egerton University held the second edition of the Mau-Egerton University Cross Country on February 7, 2015 at the University's Sports Pavilion. The objectives of the Cross Country are to create environmental awareness in the public and to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the Mau complex and Njoro River. The Chief Guest for the occasion was KCB Corporate Banking Manager, Rebecca Likami. Other distinguished guests were the Cross Country Brand Ambassador, Mercy Cherono, and Egerton University Council Chairman, Dr. Reardon Olubayo. Other friends of the University, as well as the University community, filled the vast venue to full capacity.

William Sitonik braved the scorching heat to win in the 12 Km Senior Men Category. Sitonik, 20, who is based in Japan and runs for Tokyo-based Honda Club, had arrived in the country three weeks earlier to prepare for the national cross country trials set for February 14, 2015 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. “I have come back home to make sure I participate in the national trials because I want to carry the national flag at the World Championships in China,” said Sitonik. Sitonik clocked 34 minutes 39.4 seconds, ahead of Kipkoech Lagat, who crossed the finishing line in 34:49.3, with Emmanuel Ruto clinching the third position in 34:57.6.

In the 8 Km Senior Women Race, Caroline Chepkoech of Silbwet Club, who was participating in the race for the first time, won in 26:06.8. “I was hoping to record a more impressive time but the heat was excessive and this made me to reduce my speed towards the end,” said Chepkoech.
“It has always been my dream to feature in the national team and I hope I will be fit for the national trials in Nairobi in the next one week,” she added.

Bahrain-based runner Eunice Chebichi, who was running as an individual entrant, finished second in 26:15.04, with Joyce Chepkemoi coming in third position in 26:25.4. Nineteen - year - old Geoffrey Koech from Kericho beat a huge field of more than 100 runners to clinch the 8 Km Junior Men Race in 22:44.4.

“It was tough but I thank God I have managed to win the race”, said Kimutai.
Chebara High School student Amos Kirui , who was participating in the race for the second time, finished in the second position after clocking 22:51.2. James Mwangi finished third in a time of 22:59.0.

The Cross Country, dubbed “Run for the Mau”, is set to become an Egerton tradition and demonstrates the commitment of the University to sustainable environmental management.