Chemususu Dam Half Marathon promotes healthy living and environmental conservation

By Robert Mutasi

The 9th edition of the Chemususu Dam Half Marathon, which took place today, brought together professional athletes, government officials, and locals to champion healthy living, peaceful coexistence, and environmental conservation.

The event was hosted in the breathtakingly beautiful Chemususu Dam area, attracting participants and spectators from across the country.

The Marathon, which was held under the patronage of Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma, drew together key government leaders such as Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen, Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir, and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi.

The event echoed the resolve of the government to tap into sport as a way of engineering peace and solving basic societal problems.

Speaking during the event, CS Murkomen observed that the marathon had played an important role in the promotion of environmental sustainability and support for development initiatives at the local level.

"Marathons are great rallying points for promoting healthy living and worthy causes such as peaceful co-existence and environmental conservation, besides being arenas for professional athletes to advance their careers," he noted.

The Chemususu Dam, which supplies the crucial current of water to Baringo, Nakuru, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, was the venue of the race.

Murkomen was the happiest to compliment the organizers, participants, and the fans for coming to ensure that the marathon is a success.

More than the pomp and color of the race itself, the event had loftier goals to highlight environmental concerns.

Money raised during the marathon will go toward meaningful projects, such as building a running track and additional classrooms at Chemususu Primary School.

The event also contributed to Kenya's ambitious plans for saving the environment through a yearly tree-planting project of 20,000 trees to help President William Ruto achieve his goal of 15 billion trees.

"The Chemususu Dam Half Marathon is not just a sporting event, but a clarion call for the conservation of the environment and community development," said Murkomen.

The event also brought out professionals to compete in this sporting event, with categories ranging from the half marathon itself to other shorter races.

The crowd cheered them on as it lined the course, supporting the athletes on their run. As the race came to an end, the organizers reiterated their commitment to harnessing sports as a force for good.

The Chemususu Dam Half Marathon has stood the test of time and is bound to usher in positive societal changes over the years.