Margaret Kenyatta praises Peperuka Marathon initiative

The inaugural Peperuka Marathon, organised by Kianda School to raise funds for the education of underprivileged students at the institution, took place  Saturday in Tigoni, Kiambu County.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, who is an alumnus of the girls only school, led hundreds of participants in braving the morning rain for the event.

The fund drive, which started in 2001, has been dubbed Peperuka Scholarship Scheme.

The participants who included the school’s alumni, parents, staff and children competed in five, 15, 21 and 60 kilometre races.

Michael Gachuhu crossed the finish line first in the 60km while the 21km crown went to Joseph Wasike.

Wanderi Gacheru and Ian Kiai triumphed in the 15km and 5km respectively.

Speaking before flagging off the races, the First Lady paid tribute to the founders of the Peperuka Scholarship Scheme, saying it has transformed the lives of many girls.

"This fund has become a true landmark of the school’s history that has provided over 200 scholarships to young girls. I acknowledge the positive ripple effect of this scholarship fund,” said the First Lady.

 Kianda School Principal Joan Odera said: “The aim of the Peperuka Scholarship Scheme is to give an opportunity to from underprivileged backgrounds the chance for a Kianda experience."

""We are asking for anybody who resonates with our course to come and give a lifeline to a girl from an underprivileged background."

She said they were targeting Sh50 million from the fund drive. The race's director David Thuo, who is also the founder of Fitness with David, said they hope to hold a more successful event next year.

Top three winners in all the categories:

5km

1. Ian Kiai

2. Joseph Mwangi

3.Tamasha Wanjiru

15 Km

1. Wanderi Gicheru

2.Patrick Waithaka

3.Simon Wanjiru

21 Km

1.Joseph Wasike

2. Kelvin Moti

3.Daniel Kahi

60Km

Michael Gachuhu

Tuzo Munene

David Gatawa