The Hills Are Alive With…Tenacity and Hope
All roads lead to the UAP Old Mutual Ndakaini Half Marathon this weekend. Now an annual fixture on the Athletics Kenya calendar, the Ndakaini half marathon is one of Kenya’s toughest courses with the elevation varying from 2090 to 1980 feet. At such a a high altitude it’s not for the faint hearted. No doubt thousands of Kenyans will turn up to test their mettle against the hills of Muranga County as they have for the last thirteen years.
But there is another story to the scenic 21km track that surrounds Nairobi’s water source. Four years ago the Ndakaini Dam Conservation Association (NDEKA) that started off the annual half marathon, started inviting secondary school children to participate in the Ekiden annual race. Modeled after the Japanese Ekiden marathon, the race involves a team of four students running as a collective team over the 21kilometer route. Decked out in sashes each team member runs for 5 kilometers then hands over their sash to the next runner, until the course is completed.
Students are expected to train as a team and participation builds cooperation, teamwork and honesty. Teams that are found cheating along the course by hiking lifts from passing boda bodas or taking shorter routes are not in keeping with Ekiden principles and are automatically disqualified! Its about how you compete.
The event is held in a bid to encourage different skills and talents in Muranga’s schoolchildren. Participation in the Ekiden brings a focus on sports and environmental stewardship which is a critical factor for the dam which is fed from the surrounding Aberdare range. The top five teams receive prize money ranging from Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 5,000 to share amongst themselves.
Despite the bitter cold of August 2016, this year’s race attracted 47 girls teams and 56 boys teams from across the county. Beating the odds (and the weather!) students energetically ran their races, many without the simple benefit of a pair of shoes.
Although Gatanga is one of Kenya’s more picturesque locations, its schools struggle with some of the lowest academic performances in the county. The Ekaden race challenges student in new ways – allowing them to embrace different talents and learn about the necessity of protecting their beautiful and nation-serving environment. Learning to engage in teamwork, trust and morale building, Ekiden builds life skills. Perhaps in the not too distant future we’ll have an Olympic medalist look back on his or her start in the hills surrounding a beautiful dam.
For more information on the annual Ekiden Race contact NDEKA on 0711772682.
