Laikipia Fun Race seeks to restore peace in community
David Macharia
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 County Executive Committee Member in charge of Trade, Tourism, Co-operatives and Industrial Development Biwott Tirop said the race will transverse over eight conservancies with a variety of wildlife including the Big Five.
Supported by the County Government of Laikipia under the banner “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.
Mind-boggling
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 marshals 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.
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 scintillating displays.
“The essence of this annual motor race is to pacify 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,” said Biwott during the event’s launch.
