Running News Daily

On a misty July morning in Nairobi, as thousands of runners pounded the city’s tarmac in the 10km race at the Nairobi City Marathon, one name quietly cut through the noise — Zachariah Kirika, 24, who stormed to a third-place finish in 27:00 flat.

But for Kirika, this wasn’t just a race. It was the culmination of years marked by struggle, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of purpose — a journey that began not on the running track, but in a quiet Kenyan village and later, in the disciplined world of karate.

“I was born in Muthara village, a quiet place in Murang’a County,” Kirika says, now seated at the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Thika, where he trains. “We didn’t have much, but my parents gave me everything they could.”

Karate Roots and Early Responsibility

As the eldest child in a modest family — his father a carpenter and his mother a homemaker — Kirika learned discipline early. When he wasn’t helping on the farm or tending goats, he was dreaming beyond the hills of Murang’a.

That dream took shape through karate, of all things.

“At around 13, I started following a group of boys training in Maraba. They had no dojo, no gear — just heart. I joined them, and I trained every day, barefoot sometimes. Karate taught me control, focus, and resilience.”

He carried that mindset through high school, juggling academics, martial arts, and odd jobs to support his family. By 2020, after finishing school, college wasn’t an option. He needed something more — something that could change his life.

A New Path: Running

Initially, running was just fitness for karate. But a spontaneous entry into a local 5K fun run changed everything.

“I finished in the top 10 and people started telling me, ‘You have potential.’ That was the first time I saw a new path.”

The transition wasn’t easy. Kirika trained alone, without coaching or proper nutrition. But then came a life-changing opportunity: a spot at KATA, the training academy founded by American running pioneer Bob Anderson.  

“KATA gave me structure, food, housing — but most importantly, belief.”

At KATA, Kirika began serious training under experienced coaches. He swapped kata routines for hill repeats, and sparring for speedwork. It wasn’t long before his times began to drop.

Nairobi Breakthrough

By early 2025, he had built momentum through smaller races, gaining confidence and sharpening his speed. But the Nairobi City Marathon 10K would be his biggest test yet.

“I was nervous, but I kept telling myself — just hold on.”

He did more than that. He surged with the lead pack, stayed composed through the rolling course, and finished third overall in 27:00, his first official sub-28 performance.

“That race changed everything,” he says. “It proved that you don’t need fancy gear or a big name to compete. You just need heart, and a team that believes in you.”

What Comes Next

Kirika now has his sights set on the half marathon, and eventually, the full 42.2 km. The KATA team is already working with him on long-run preparation, nutrition, and mental strategy for the next phase of his career.

“I know this is just the beginning,” he says with a quiet fire. “There’s still a long way to go.”

Still humble, still grounded, Kirika hasn’t forgotten his roots.

“Tell my parents I’m doing something meaningful. Tell them thank you. And tell them I haven’t forgotten where I came from.”

A Star on the Rise

As the sun sets over Thika’s training trails, Zachariah Kirika laces up his shoes. Behind him lies the path of a barefoot boy who once threw punches in dusty lanes. Ahead of him lies a road filled with potential, podiums, and purpose.

In a country bursting with undiscovered talent, Kirika’s story is a powerful reminder: with discipline, support, and belief, even the most unlikely runners can rise to greatness.

All photos were taken in and around KATA in Thika where Kirika lives, eat, train and works around the place.  The racing photos were taken at KATA's monthly time trial.