Arch Treks Safaris Participates in the 10 for 10 Mt. Kenya Ultra-Dash
On 17th November 2025, as the world marked the 1st World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day under the WHO global theme “ACT NOW: Eliminate Cervical Cancer”, the slopes of Mt. Kenya became an advocacy trail.
In partnership with KILELE Health Association and Ultra Runners Kenya, Arch Treks Safaris participated in the 10 for 10 Mt. Kenya Ultra-Dash Challenge, where ten ultra-runners ascended and descended Point Lenana (15,345 ft) within ten hours to honour ten women Kenya loses every day to cervical cancer.
This was not a race for medals, it was symbolic representing the steep climb women face in acquiring healthcare: delayed diagnosis, limited access to care, stigma, and systemic barriers in accessing treatment.
“The mountain symbolized what many women face,” said Jacqueline Ogingo, Programs Manager, KILELE Health Association, during the flag-off of the event. “From the moment symptoms appear to the struggle for diagnosis and care, it is a steep, exhausting journey. But the summit reminds us that elimination is possible if we act.”
Guiding with Purpose
For Arch Treks, the challenge was about more than reaching the peak, it was about safety, support, and intention at every step. Guides James Kariuki, Richard Kiguta, and Joseph Kiragu, alongside other safety teams, ensured that the climb matched the gravity of the cause. Planning went into route assessment, acclimatization, and risk management, providing participants a secure and meaningful experience.
“Guiding the Mt. Kenya 10 for 10 Ultra-Dash was unlike any hike we’ve led before. Every step carried purpose, and every participant carried a story. Our role was not just to navigate the trails, but to ensure safety, foster connection, and allow the mountain to amplify a message that matters, that cervical cancer is preventable, and that advocacy can be as powerful as any summit.”
Impact Beyond the Mountain
The runners were athletes and advocates in motion, championing cervical cancer prevention, promoting HPV vaccination for girls 10-15 years to emphasizing community support for survivors. The climb became a message amplified far beyond the mountain.
As the runners ascended through thinning air and shifting weather, moments of quiet reflection, collective encouragement, and personal dedications unfolded. Stories were shared, solidarity was built, and the summit became a symbol of community, resilience, and action.
The Mt. Kenya challenge proved that adventure travel can align with purpose, mountains can amplify messages, and champions can turn advocacy into lived experience. Through this partnership, Arch Treks Safaris demonstrated how movement, connection, and intention can drive social impact while inspiring healing and conversation.
Looking ahead, Arch Treks Safaris is eager to continue this collaboration, guiding more purposeful hikes that blend adventure with advocacy, creating spaces where every step fosters awareness, resilience, and tangible impact. We affirm to guide mountain climbing with meaning where every step uplifts people, respects nature and leaves climbers changed for better. This is only the beginning.
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.
Commenter avatars come from Gravatar.