'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Nairobi, 21st July: Led by Kenyan cycling legend and Chris Froome’s first mentor, Mr. David Kinjah, and Kenyan Olympic gold medalist runner Mr. Douglas Wakihuri, the Mt. Kenya Epik is calling for adventurous cyclists and runners from around the world to take on Africa’s second highest mountain.
For the inaugural race, cyclists will traverse the stunning foothills of Mt. Kenya through bush, wilderness, wildlife and villages,covering nearly 500km in six days. The sixth and final day, November 28th, will see the runners join the event battling against each other and a tough 26km course, culminating at the Met station 3,040m above sea level. Whilst hoping to attract international applicants, supporting the local community sits at the heart of the concept.
Speaking at the launch of event in Nairobi Julie Wahome, Director Mt. Kenya Epik said, “The Epik's vision is to change the lifestyle of youth and Kenyans by harnessing and enlarging existing platforms like that of the Safari Simbaz cycling team, of whom Chris Froome was a member as a young boy, as well as preserving the Mt. Kenya region through sport and youth mentorship.”
Both the running and cycling routes have been carefully thought out to take participants through some of the most stunning landscape Kenya has to offer. In recognition that not everyone is an elite athlete, there is also a 10km fun run option allowing the wider running community to enjoy the event and experience the Mt. Kenya National Park – a World Heritage Site.
“As a duathalon the challenge is an athletic event that consists of both running and cycling along routes that have rarely been touched or exposed to human traffic. The experience is set to provide a glimpse into the rural Kenyan lifestyle as the route will provide a unique tour of the surroundings.” commented Michael Wamithi, Director Mt. Kenya Epik.
For more information and to enter the Mt. Kenya Epik simply visit: http://www.mtkenyaepik.co.ke/
The Mt. Kenya Epik is organised by Africa Extreme who specialize in offering extreme outdoor challenges in locations that are off the beaten path, and give participants a unique opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful and untamed natural habitats in Africa. Partners include: Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and African Biodiversity Conservation and Innovation Centre (ABCIC).
