ABOUT LU MARATHON

The location of the University is within semi-arid lands, with several seasonal rivers and  bordering the Tsavo national park .The area has endured devastating droughts and decreasing foliage coverage due to increasing human activities like Agriculture and illicit charcoal business. The Severe droughts have negatively impacted the area Leading to
wildlife habitat loss and decreased livestock grazing over the years.

We are also Cognizant of the climate crisis currently happening in the horn of Africa , and
the planet as a whole and feel that tree planting represents one of the ways to combat this
problem.

The University therefore has embarked on an ambitious plan to plant one million trees in
the kibwezi , mtito andei area . The University also felt it can play a role in Dry land Re-
afforsetation of the region and come up with a model that can be utilised in other dry land
counties .
We aim to plant trees in ;
1. Water catchment areas around the Chyulu hills , and along river banks
2. Public primary, secondary schools and other tertiary education institutions
3. Government offices and markets
4. Goverment and national parks or reserves
5. Villages and homes

The University plans to roll out this tree planting programme , by engaging various
stakeholders both local and international and has set itself as a centre for dry land forestry.
We shall support local tree nurseries and also develop a propagation centre at the university
in collaboration with KEFRI ( Kenya Forestry Reserch Institute)

The University plans to hold the inaugural ‘One million trees’ Marathon at its main campus
in Mtito Andei on 26th March 2023 . The marathon shall be held once every year and targets
to raise funds for 200,000 tree seedlings . The marathon shall run for 3 years until the
target of 1 million trees is met.

The species of trees to be planted have been carefully selected for the ecosystem ;
1. Mukau -Melia Volkensii
2. Neem -Azadirachta indica
3. Acacia Tortillis
4. Acacia Nilotica
5. Acacia Senegal
6. Acacia Elatior
7. Acacia Robusta
8. Acacia Gerrardii

Race information( dropdown under about us)
The Marathon is organized into ;
1. 42km marathon – For experienced and seasoned Athletes
2. 21km- half marathon
3. 10km and 5km – Fun runs for families and children .