Well-wishers, Garissa Town residents and Garissa University management have organised a marathon in memory of those who perished during last year’s terror attack at the college.
The event scheduled to take place on April 2 will coincide with the exact date when the unfortunate incident happened a year ago.
The race organisers have hinted that they expect over a thousand participants in the main race. The marathon, targeted at individuals and corporate organisations, will have 5km and 10km races for families and kids.
Ali Awdoll, who is one of the organisers and a human rights activist based in Garissa Town said the marathon will provide an avenue for the local community to show its unending support and solidarity with the learning institution.
“During the attack, locals helped with evacuation. Our women assisted in dressing and comforting the wounded students while our men tirelessly pulled down part of the fence to pave way for the students to escape to more secure places,” said Awdoll.
The deputy principal of Garissa University College, Hussein Golicha, noted that the community’s goodwill is one of the big reasons why the institution is witnessing an increase in student enrolments to the self-sponsored courses.
In 2015, a section of the community walked 1,000km from Garissa Town to Mandera. The event that took place during the holy month of Ramadhan was meant to raise awareness on the importance of peace and effects of terrorism.