Laikipia Amateur Fun Race set to restore peace amongst warring communities. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 25 – This year’s Laikipia Amateur Fun Race is set to cut across several conservancies and villages on the scenic northern segment of the region covering a gruelling distance of 180km.
The race, scheduled to run on November 23, has attracted over 80 car drivers who will navigate through Laikipia’s wild with the noble objective of promoting peaceful co-existence amongst more than 24 tribes living in Laikipia.
Laikipia Country Executive Committee Member in charge of Trade, Tourism, Co-operatives and Industrial Development Biwott Tirop said the race will transverse over 8 conservancies with a variety of wildlife including the big five.
Supported by the County Government of Laikipia and Destination Laikipia, the race will rev off in Nanyuki and finish in Louniek near Mugie Conservancy but not until tasting the rigours of the picturesque landscape in the wild.
The race is open to Two Wheel Drives and 4X4s. It is designed with spectators in mind and indeed some mind-boggling puzzles as the race wears on.
Throughout the event there will be safety marshalls who will be on location to guide competitors who stray from the course.
In the wake of the energy-sapping race, crews will overnight at Louniek where they will intermingle with the communities in the region.
This year’s Laikipia Amateur Fun Race is set to cut across several conservancies and villages on the scenic northern segment of the region covering a gruelling distance of 180km.
Ongoing torrential rains are also bound to add a little zest for the third edition of the race with mud-splattering sections sure to treat the race traffic to some scintilating displays.
Laikipia Amateur Fun Race has taken place twice and one of the success stories of the project is Community Social Responsibility (CSR) activities where they contribute towards communites’ well-being.
The Fun Race has assisted in building a secondary school for the locals who have over the years encountered challenges of acquiring quality education.
As part of celebrations to mark the culmination of the race, organisers have arranged for overnight traditional dances with the communities and modern entertainment where participants and locals will be treated to some exhilarating entertainment.
“The essence of this annual motor race is to passify the region which has had to contend conflict time and time again. We will be using the race to sensitise communities on the need to coexist.
Secondly, the race provides a desirable platform for sports tourism, giving back to the community and indeed making the difference in their lives through CSR activities,” Biwott said, adding: “As a County, we will continue to strengthen the diversity of our quality products in order to achieve our marketing efforts to promote Laikipia as a potential sports hub.
In the past few years, we have seen the growing trend of sports enthusiasts seeking a unique competitive moment and indeed a memorable holiday experience in Laikipia, the Fun Race is the answer. Our strategy now is to promote Laikipia as a Sports Dream Destination in the country.”
During the launch in Nairobi, Organisers announced the route course. They also stated that the race will be run on 80 % conservancy roads.
“On grounds of safety, we have over 100 marshalls deployed to assist spectators and competitors,” said Biwott.
Biwott also added that there is a game drive at Mugie Conservancy on Sunday.
