Third Edition Of Kenya Pipeline Cross-Country Kicks Off In Makueni

MAKUENI, Kenya- The third edition of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) cross-country race which features senior and junior men and women events of 10km among other races, kicked off today morning at the Thange market grounds in Makueni County.

The race will be open to the general community including women, the elderly, children and persons with disability with the main categories including general race 10Km (18-49 years); elderly race 3Km (above 50 years); people with disabilities 3Km while children up to 17 years will run for 5 Km.

According to event organiser Agnes Mueni, who hails from the region, the race is a perfect opportunity for the local youth to hone their running skills and become productive in their lives.

Mueni added that the community in Thange and Makueni have limited opportunities to train and advance themselves in athletics and life skills, hence the importance of such events.

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“The Thange race is a welcome boon for our youth because Makueni County has limited or no structured athletic races and sports activities to engage our youth. This is an opportunity for growth for our young people,” she said.

“This year, we want to do it differently. The participants will not just run, they will also be engaged in leadership and mentorship programmes, life skills training and athletics talent development.

“I am happy that KPC has given us the chance to focus on empowering our local youth,” Mueni added.

Acknowledging the importance of tapping the rich hidden talent in Makueni County, KPC acting Managing Director Mr Hudson Andambi applauded the local community of Thange and the larger Makueni County for their huge support during the last two editions of the race and most importantly during the clean-up exercise following the 2015 oil spill.

“It is our corporate tradition to always partner with communities that host us and our facilities through various strategies of mutual benefit.

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“Thange has a special place in our community of partners and we feel proud that we are able to carry out a sports activity that will in the long run see the transformation of young people who can develop their running potential to career level and earn from it,” Andambi underlined.

During today’s event, winners of the various categories, which will also feature children and adult races will receive enhanced cash prizes for the top five for each of the categories.

The prize money will be distributed in kind in form of vouchers for food from local traders and some cash to meet other household needs children winners will also receive vouchers for school books from a local bookshop.

“As Africa’s premier Oil & Gas Company, sports is one avenue of empowering the people to become change agents in their own communities. This is what our corporate social investment agenda is all about.

“I am also grateful to the chairman and my Board of Directors for the support that they have accorded the people of Thange throughout the clean-up process. This shows that as a company, we want to build a lasting bridge with the people of Thange,” Andambi added.

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Winners in the elite youth category will pocket KSh15,000 while first and second runners up will receive KSh12,000 and KSh9,000 respectively.

The top three in the junior and senior men and women categories will get KSh7,000, KSh5,500 and KSh4,000, respectively also with the top 5 finishers awarded.