Hundreds of runners are expected in Kandara this Sunday as the annual Kandara Education Marathon returns to raise scholarship funds for bright but needy students.
Through a community-driven charity race, the organisers are banking on increased participation from residents, corporate sponsors and well-wishers to expand educational opportunities for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
They say every registration will help keep a child in school. "Every child has a right to education. That is why we created the Kandara Education Marathon to give academically gifted children from needy families an opportunity to pursue their education," said Kandara Education Marathon chairperson James Munyori.
He said the marathon has grown into an annual event that brings together professional athletes, recreational runners, families and corporate teams, with proceeds channelled towards scholarships for deserving learners in Kandara.
"The Kandara Education Marathon is more than a race. It is a movement of hope that brings together runners, sponsors, families and well-wishers to support bright students whose dreams deserve a chance," Munyori said.
He challenged Murang'a residents and other well-wishers to register for the sixth edition of the event, saying every participant would play a role in transforming the future of a learner facing financial hardship.
The marathon will be held at General Matenjagwo Grounds and aims to raise Sh10 million to support the scholarship programme.
The initiative was launched in 2021 by the Kandara Education Community-Based Organisation, a group of professionals from Kandara subcounty who sought to bridge the gap for academically gifted students unable to continue their education because of financial constraints.
Since its inception, the scholarship programme has supported more than 50 learners through secondary school, with its pioneer beneficiaries now in universities and colleges after completing their secondary education.
This year alone, the programme sponsored 22 students to join Grade 10 in senior school. Organisers now plan to admit another 30 learners in the 2027 academic year while supporting a second cohort of beneficiaries transitioning to university.
"Our scholarship is not a one-time bursary. Every beneficiary is supported throughout their entire secondary school education, giving them the opportunity to complete their studies," Munyori said.
Participants will compete in three categories: the flagship 21-kilometre Half Marathon, a 10-kilometre Challenge Run and a five-kilometre Fun Run designed for families, first-time runners, students, corporate teams and community members.
Munyori said the 21-kilometre race is intended for athletes seeking to test their endurance, while the 10-kilometre event offers an ideal challenge for runners preparing for longer races or aiming to improve their performance.
The five-kilometre Fun Run is expected to attract participants of all fitness levels, allowing them to walk, jog or run while supporting the scholarship programme.
All finishers will receive commemorative medals and electronic certificates, while the top three male and female finishers in the 21-kilometre race will receive cash prizes of Sh20,000, Sh10,000 and Sh5,000 respectively.
"Every kilometre completed helps create educational opportunities for students facing financial challenges. When you cross the finish line, you will know you have helped transform a young person's future," Munyori said.
He expressed optimism that greater support from the community, corporate partners and donors would enable the programme to reach more deserving students, ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of academic potential.
He noted that the scholarship programme remains crucial as many households in Kandara continue to face economic hardship driven by the rising cost of living and fluctuating earnings from agriculture.
This has left many parents unable to meet school fees and other education expenses despite their children's strong academic performance.
