Wilfred Bungei (centre) addresses the press earlier this year in Nairobi. Photo/File
NAIROBI, November 21- Beijing Olympics champion, Wilfred Bungei and former world marathon champion, Douglas Wakiihuri are among elite runners who will take part in the inaugural EABL-Foundation Karura 10km environmental run on December 5.
The run is part of EABL’s 10-year anniversary commemoration which aims to raise Sh5m million this year for the care and management of the Karura conservancy.
Bungei, the 2006 world indoor champion who won the men 800m gold as captain of the Beijing 2008 Olympics team called for support for the initiative.
“Karura Conservancy is an ideal training ground for health seeking individuals. Kenya churns out the best athletes globally, which is greatly attributed to high altitude and quality forest cover.
“Karura Forest replicates the training grounds for the general public interested in having a healthy jog in fresh air, and this is why we are more than happy to participate in the Karura Run,” he added.
EABL Corporate Relations Director, Julie Adell-Owino acknowledged that the move to include the elite runners was aimed at raising the profile of the run by incorporating the competitive aspect.
“Granted that Kenya is the Hot bed of Champions; inviting top caliber elite athletes encourages us as an organization to ably conserve the environment that we greatly rely on for the success of our business,” said Ms Adell-Owino.
“We are greatly touched by the overwhelming support towards making this event a success.”
According to the Kenya Forest service, Kenya needs Sh76 billion to reach 10 forest cover by the year 2030.
EABL Foundation has been championing for continuous improvement in environmental performance, concentrating its efforts on areas of greatest impact at its manufacturing and distribution points under the Environmental conservation pillar.
The Foundation has concentrated its efforts in conservation of water catchment areas having planted over one million trees across East Africa since inception with substantial conservation efforts in Kenya.
