Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
7/26/2025
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Powered by Potatoes, Fueled by Passion: Inside the Rise of KATA in Kenya
THIKA, Kenya, July 18, 2025 — About 40 kilometers northeast of Nairobi sits Thika, a town once best known for its factories. But just outside its bustling center, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that’s redefining how running talent is discovered and developed in Kenya.
Welcome to the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA)—a visionary project founded by Runner’s World and My Best Runs creator Bob Anderson (first photo) and powered by a bold and sustainable idea: combine world-class running with community farming. What began in 2019 as a modest base has grown into a thriving network of athletic development across Kenya.
Thika: The KATA Running Retreat
At the heart of it all is the KATA Running Retreat in Thika, where Kenyan athletes live and train full-time, and where guests from around the world come to “train the Kenyan way”. Situated at altitude, the retreat offers structured training, rest, nutrition, and performance monitoring on a measured course.
Thika is managed by Christopher Kamande (photo 4), who ensures that the vision is executed with care and discipline.
“We provide a safe space for these athletes,” says Kamande. “They get everything they need—meals, coaching, rest, even digital support for their racing profiles. We treat them like the professionals they’re becoming.”
Athletes’ verified performances are uploaded to My Best Runs by Elam Wangwero (photo 5 when he met Bob and his wife Catherine for the first time in 2014), KATA’s digital lead and longtime collaborator with Anderson. “When someone runs 28 minutes here, the world should know about it,” he says.
A Model That’s Growing Across Kenya
Since June 2025, the KATA team has launched a new initiative: combining elite training camps with three-acre potato farms to build sustainable, athlete-driven communities. In just six weeks, 30 new KATA Running Camps and KATA Potato Farms have been established across Kenya, with two more set to open by August 1, bringing the total to 32.
“This gives us 32 KATA Camps and Farms,” says Anderson. “It has been exciting to find operators who share the same passion as I. We have an amazing group of operators—all dedicated to our unique project. They all know how important their three-acre potato farm is, because that’s what will power their camp in the long run.”
At each location, athletes work 25 hours a week planting, maintaining, and harvesting potatoes. In return, they receive free housing, daily meals, and world-class coaching—a holistic model designed to develop both athletes and communities.
“This model gives athletes a chance not just to run, but to build a life,” says Kamande. “It teaches responsibility, sustainability, and teamwork.”
Time Trials that Open Door's
KATA’s monthly 5K and 10K time trials (phot two) certified and measured, are held on the Thika course and have become a trusted platform for athletes to showcase their ability to race organizers and sponsors worldwide. “Our monthly time trials were started September 2021,” says John KATA’s head coach, “we have seen many amazing performances both from our KATA’s athletes and others.” All runners are invited to come run.
“These time trials are life-changing,” Kamande says. “Many of our runners don’t have agents or the means to travel to big races. So we bring opportunity to them.”
Results are published on My Best Runs, offering a transparent, verified path to the world stage.
From 34 Minutes to 27:47
Before the farming project began, KATA was already changing lives—and Peter Mwaniki Njeru (photo three) is one of its earliest and most powerful success stories.
“When Peter first came to KATA,” recalls Anderson, “he was running around 34 minutes for 10K.” Through structured training, support, and work around the Retreat, Peter steadily improved. In 2024, he stunned the running world by winning the Chicago 10K in 27:47.
A Legacy Rooted in Vision
At a time when many athletes in Kenya pay to train, live in overcrowded rooms, and struggle for basic support, KATA is different. Everything—lodging, food, coaching, and opportunity—is provided at no cost to the athlete. And now, through potatoes, the project has a path to sustain itself.
One KATA operator summed it up best in a message to Bob Anderson:
“Your unique approach,” wrote Edwin Soi, “blending athletic training with sustainable farming, is clearly making a significant positive impact on the lives of the athletes and the community. It’s a testament to how innovative ideas, when implemented with genuine care, can empower people far beyond their initial scope.”
As the KATA Running Retreat in Thika and now also in Portugal continues to welcome international guests and the KATA Camps and Farms spread across the country, the mission remains clear:
Empower athletes. Build communities. And grow the future—one step, and one potato, at a time.
(07/18/25) Views: 1,158Robert Kibet
Doreen Waka Is Sprinting Toward History—If Kenya Will Let Her
At the 2025 Athletics Kenya Trials held at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex, Doreen Waka blasted out of the blocks and powered through a stiff -2.0 m/s headwind, crossing the finish line in 12.02 seconds to win the women’s 100m final. The performance not only secured her a gold medal but also earned her a coveted spot on Team Kenya for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.
She defeated a talented field, including Loice Nyanchoka Morara (12.09), South Sudan’s Lucia William Moris (12.10), and Delisha Atyang (12.14), while veterans like Monica Safania and Eunice Kadogo did not start. But for Waka, the win was about more than medals. It marked a defining moment in a career built on resilience, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in her sprinting potential.
Running Barefoot, Dreaming Without Limits
When Doreen takes to the track, what you see is explosive speed. What you don’t see are the barefoot years spent training on gravel roads, the financial struggles, or the countless setbacks that nearly derailed her dream.
Born on November 13, 1994, in Kiambu County, Doreen discovered her athletic talent in primary school. She ran the 400m in Standard Four but didn’t qualify for competition—she was too young. A perceptive teacher, however, encouraged her to shift focus to the 100m and 200m, a piece of advice that changed her life.
By Class Five, she had qualified for the national primary school championships in Nyahururu, placing 4th in the 100m and 3rd in the 200m. A year later, she won silver in the 100m at an East African schools meet in Kampala, Uganda.
Despite early success, life at home was difficult. Her family lacked the resources to support her athletics career. After finishing Class Eight, a well-wisher helped her join Brokhurst Senior School in Machakos County, where she again reached the national stage in Form Three. But in Form Four, she was barred from sports in order to focus on final exams—just when she needed exposure the most.
A Coach, a Believer, a Lifeline
In 2017, everything changed. Doreen met sprinter Kalewi Awange, who introduced her to Coach Julius Migwi (often called Coach Julious). At the time, she was living in Githurai, Nairobi, with her mother.
“When I told my mom I wanted to train, she hesitated,” Doreen recalls. “Coach Migwi had to come home and explain everything. Eventually, she gave me her blessing: ‘You’re the one who will help me.’”
Coach Julious remembers their first meeting clearly.
“She had no shoes. No passport. No real support. We took her in like family,” he says. “I’ve been acting as her parent ever since.”
Since then, Coach Julious has supported her with food, rent, transport, and training costs—often from his own pocket. Despite the challenges, Doreen has never wavered. Most days, she trains without proper spikes or access to a gym, using rough murram fields instead of tracks.
“If she had the facilities athletes in Botswana or South Africa have,” Julius says, “she’d already be running 10.9.”
A Boost from KATA—and a Call to Bob Anderson
Though resources remain limited, Doreen has received small but meaningful support from the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA), founded by Bob Anderson, the American entrepreneur and lifelong runner who created Runner’s World magazine.
“KATA has helped in important ways,” says Julius. “Bob understands athlete development. Now we’re appealing to him directly: please consider supporting Doreen with gear, gym access, and small financial support so she can focus fully on her training.”
Doreen echoes the plea:
“I’m not looking for a shortcut. Just a chance. Bob, give me one international race, one opportunity—and I will make you and Kenya proud.”
Denied, But Never Defeated
Doreen’s path has been lined with near-misses and painful exclusions. In 2019, she qualified for the World Relays during trials in Iten—but couldn’t travel. She didn’t have a passport.
Later that year, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, she trained inside the grounds of Kamiti Prison, staying with a friend near the facility. Her perseverance finally paid off in 2021, when she represented Kenya in the 4x200m relay at the World Relays in Poland. She returned home and won the national 100m title.
Yet again in 2023, after qualifying for the African Championships in Ghana, she was left off the final team list.
“It didn’t kill my spirit,” she says. “This year I qualified again. But they didn’t take a women’s 4x100m team.”
A Voice for the Overlooked
Now 29, Doreen Waka is more than just a sprinter—she’s a voice for the many under-supported female sprinters across Kenya.
“Athletics Kenya should not conclude that Kenyan women can’t sprint. We just need the opportunity.”
Coach Julious adds:
“She’s already inspiring others. Hurdler Gladys Ngure, who ran 14.05 at nationals, joined our camp because of Doreen. These girls are training in KSh 50 gyms. Imagine what they could do with real support.”
A Camp Like No Other
In a bold move, Coach Julius recently established a KATA Running Camp and KATA Potato Farm, part of a larger initiative spearheaded by Bob Anderson, who has now launched 25 KATA camps across Kenya since May 25.
“I think my camp is the only running camp that exclusively trains sprinters in all of Kenya,” says Julius. "Thanks, Bob, for listening and helping Doreen go after her goals.”
This unique camp not only nurtures sprinters like Doreen but also provides food and economic support through potato farming, helping athletes stay focused on training while building a more stable future.
The Goal: Sub-11 and a Global Stage
Doreen Waka’s goal is clear: run 10.8 or 10.9 and place Kenyan women’s sprinting on the global map. With the right shoes, coaching, nutrition, and gym access, she believes it’s within reach.
“I believe in myself. I just need one solid chance.”
And with people like Coach Julius KATA, and Bob Anderson behind her, that chance may finally be coming.
Doreen Waka At a Glance
• Born: November 13, 1994 – Kiambu County, Kenya
• 2024 Trials: 1st in 100m (12.02s, -2.0 m/s headwind)
• International Debut: 2021 World Relays, Poland (4x200m)
• Coach: Julius Migwi
• Goal: Sub-11 in 100m and a global podium finish
• Camp: KATA Running Camp for Sprinters – the only sprint-exclusive KATA camp in Kenya
(07/22/25) Views: 634Robert Kibet
HISTORIC SEASON FOR PHANUEL KOECH
At just 18 years old, Phanuel Koech has made history—becoming the first Kenyan ever to run under 3:29 for the 1500m twice in a single season.
✅ Paris Diamond League: 3:27.72
✅ London Diamond League: 3:28.82
With his 3:27.72 performance in Paris, Koech now ranks as the 4th fastest Kenyan of all time, behind only Bernard Lagat, Asbel Kiprop, and Silas Kiplagat.
He is also the fastest junior (U20) in the history of the 1500m.
Next up:
2025 World Athletics Championships Trials
Sports Complex
July 22, 2025
Kenya’s middle-distance future looks brighter than ever.
(07/19/25) Views: 204Boris Baron
Jessica Hull Shatters Her Own Mile Record in London — Again Proving She’s World-Class
LONDON, July 20, 2025 — Just when you think she’s peaked, Jessica Hull finds another gear.
At the London Diamond League, the Australian middle-distance star delivered another brilliant performance, clocking 4:13.68 to finish second behind Ethiopian legend Gudaf Tsegay in the women’s mile. In doing so, Hull broke her own Australian and Oceanian record, reaffirming her status as one of the world’s premier distance runners.
Another Record Falls
Hull had previously lowered the Australian mile record to 4:15.34, and now she’s slashed nearly two seconds off that mark. Her new time of 4:13.68 places her among the fastest women in history over the distance and continues an incredible streak of performances on the global stage.
A Steady Ascent
Born in Albion Park, New South Wales, Hull first gained international recognition at the University of Oregon, where she became a four-time NCAA champion. Since turning professional, she’s:
• Broken national records in the 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, and Mile
• Made finals at multiple global championships
• Become a fixture on the Diamond League circuit
Tactically sharp, mentally tough, and remarkably consistent, Hull has become the face of Australian distance running.
Tokyo Awaits
This latest record could not come at a better time. Hull is peaking just ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she will line up among the favorites in the 1500m and possibly the 5000m.
At just 27, she continues to redefine what’s possible—not just for Australians, but for all middle-distance runners worldwide. With the Paris Olympics in the rearview and Tokyo in focus, Jessica Hull is a name we’ll be hearing for years to come.
Follow My Best Runs for more coverage of Jessica Hull and the world’s best distance runners.
#JessicaHull #Australia #WorldAthletics #Tokyo2025 #DiamondLeague #MyBestRuns #MileRecord #Running
(07/19/25) Views: 190Boris Baron
This Isn’t a Story About a Runner — It’s About a Man Who Walked the World
In a world where we celebrate marathons, ultramarathons, and world records, one man has quietly redefined the limits of human endurance—not with speed, but with sheer, relentless determination.
Karl Bushby, a British former paratrooper, has spent the past 27 years walking an unbroken path around the globe. His feat isn’t measured in finish lines or medals, but in every step he’s taken without shortcuts, without flying, and without giving up. This is not a story about a runner—it’s the story of a man who set out to walk the world and never looked back.
In 1998, Karl left Punta Arenas, Chile, on foot with one goal: return home to Hull, England under his own power. What began as a wild dream has become one of the greatest adventures in human history—the Goliath Expedition.
Today, Bushby has walked over 47,000 kilometers (about 29,200 miles) across 25 countries, enduring landscapes and trials that would stop most in their tracks. He has crossed the deadly Darién Gap, walked the frozen Bering Strait from Russia to Alaska, swum the Caspian Sea, and navigated the crushing bureaucracy of closed borders. He’s been detained, deported, threatened, and tested beyond reason.
Through every setback—political, physical, or personal—Karl has honored a simple promise: never fly, never quit, never cheat.
As he approaches the final leg of his odyssey with a projected finish in 2026, Karl Bushby stands as a modern icon of perseverance. His footsteps are a tribute to human resilience, curiosity, and the belief that the world is still worth exploring—one step at a time.
(07/21/25) Views: 184Boris Baron
Sinclaire Johnson Breaks American Mile Record with 4:16.32 at London Diamond League
London, July 19, 2025 – In a race that lit up the track with historic speed, Sinclaire Johnson delivered a breakthrough performance, setting a new American and North American record in the mile with a time of 4:16.32 at the London Diamond League.
Johnson finished fourth overall in a blazing-fast women’s mile, one of the deepest in history, but her mark carved out a place in the record books. She broke the previous American record of 4:16.35 set by Nikki Hiltz in 2023—improving it by just three hundredths of a second.
“It was a race where everything clicked,” Johnson said afterward. “I knew the field would be fast, and I just focused on hanging on and staying composed.”
The field was stacked with some of the world’s most elite, and the pace was relentless from the gun. While the win went to Faith Kipyegon, who once again demonstrated why she’s one of the greatest milers of all time, Johnson’s run signaled that American middle-distance running is thriving on the global stage.
This wasn’t just a personal best—it was a statement.
A Career on the Rise
Johnson, 26, has long been considered a top-tier talent in the 1500m and mile, but this performance confirms she’s entering her prime. She previously won the 2022 U.S. Outdoor 1500m title and has represented Team USA at multiple World Championships, but this is her first American record.
With the World Championships in Tokyo less than a month away, this performance couldn’t have come at a better time. Johnson now heads into the final stretch of the season as the fastest North American miler in history and a legitimate contender for a podium finish in Tokyo.
(07/20/25) Views: 147Boris Baron
Is the King Really Back? Jakob Ingebrigtsen Sends a Silent Shockwave with One Reel
Just when the doubters were growing bold, Jakob Ingebrigtsen dropped a bombshell—without saying a word.
After months of uncertainty, Achilles rehab, and a string of absences from marquee meets like Oslo and the Prefontaine Classic, the Olympic champion and world record holder resurfaced not with a headline but with a treadmill video on Instagram. The caption? Just five words:
“Normal service has resumed ??.”
That was it. No interview. No press release. Just a smooth stride at full clip—and it was enough to send shockwaves through the sport.
Jakob, still only 23, hasn’t raced since winning the European Cross Country Championships last December. In May, he confirmed his withdrawal from the London Diamond League on July 20 due to lingering Achilles irritation. But now, with the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo looming, fans and rivals alike are decoding every frame of that 12-second clip. Was this just training? Or a warning shot?
The Comeback Equation
Jakob’s resume needs no embellishment:
Olympic 1500m champion (Tokyo 2021)
World 5000m champion (Paris 2023)
European record holder in the 1500m, mile, 3000m, and 5000m
World record holder in the 2000m and two miles
But since that shock defeat to Josh Kerr at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest—a tactical masterclass that broke Ingebrigtsen’s golden streak—Jakob has been unusually quiet. Injuries kept him from defending titles on the Diamond League circuit, while rivals like Kerr, Jake Wightman, and Yared Nuguse have stepped into the spotlight.
Now, that silence might be over.
Warning to Rivals?
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. With Tokyo less than six weeks away, the treadmill reel could mark the start of Jakob’s final prep—if not for London, then for the Worlds. His message may have been short, but the implications are massive: he’s back in motion, the rhythm looks good, and if he toes the line in Tokyo, the narrative resets.
Rivals like Kerr, who’s coming off a strong win at the 2025 Bislett Games, won’t be underestimating him. Their rematch—if it happens—could be one of the defining moments of the championships.
Crown or Collision Course?
Is Jakob ready to reclaim his throne, or is he walking into the fiercest middle-distance rivalry we’ve seen in years? The answer is still unwritten—but one thing is clear:
Jakob Ingebrigtsen is not done. Not even close.
And now, the track world holds its breath.
(07/20/25) Views: 138
Boris Baron
Medina Eisa Triumphs in London with 14:30.57 Finish in the Women’s 5000m
On a charged evening in London, Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa delivered a masterclass in finishing speed, surging down the final stretch to win the women’s 5000 meters in a blazing time of 14:30.57.
The 19-year-old phenom held her composure as the field tightened in the closing laps, then made a decisive move with 200 meters to go—leaving no doubt about who owned the night. It was a hard-fought victory, with fellow Ethiopian Fantaye Belayneh pressing closely behind to take second in 14:30.90, while Australia’s Rose Davies closed strong for third in 14:31.45.
With this performance, Eisa not only claimed a major Diamond League victory but also cemented her status as one of the brightest young stars in distance running. Her time ranks among the fastest in the world this season and signals her as a major contender heading into next year’s global championships.
Top 3 – Women’s 5000m (London 2025)
Medina Eisa (ETH) — 14:30.57
Fantaye Belayneh (ETH) — 14:30.90
Rose Davies (AUS) — 14:31.45
For Eisa, this victory wasn’t just about the clock—it was about control, confidence, and kicking power. As the lights dimmed over the London Stadium, one thing became clear: the future of the 5000m is blazing brightly in Ethiopian colors.
(07/21/25) Views: 126Boris Baron
5th Annual Kenya’s Double Road Race 15K Set for September 20, 2025, at KATA Thika
The 5th Annual Kenya Double Road Race 15K will be held on September 20, 2025, at the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Thika, Kenya. The event ins a two stage race. First is the 10k leg then a break, followed by a 5K leg. Legs are added together for scoring. A format designed to challenge runners of all levels. Do then double! The start, finish, and halftime break will be based near the KATA campus. The second leg starts one hour and 45 minutes after the start of the first leg.
Double Racing was created by Bob Anderson, founder of Runner’s World magazine, in 2010. From October 2010 to October 2012, seven small Double races were held in Mexico under the name Bob Anderson 15K Challenge. The format evolved, and in December 2012, the first official Double Road Race was held in Pleasanton, California, with nearly 1,400 participants. The signature race was the Double 15K — 10K followed by 5K, separated by a 1 hour and 45-minute recovery break known as the Restart.
“Double Racing is doable for runners at all levels,” says Bob Anderson. “It’s a new challenge for many, while others have done many already.”
Anderson staged two Double races in Kenya previously — in Thika (2014) and Nyahururu (2015) — both were Double 21Ks (10 miles + break + 5K). These visits inspired the creation of KATA Thika, which officially opened in September 2021, and hosted the first Double 15K in Africa on September 4, 2021. Donikal Komon won that race in 44:42 — the fastest ever run in Africa at that time.
In 2022, Joseph Njoroge shaved two seconds off that mark. But it was in 2024 when history was made.
A New World Record in 2024
At the 4th Annual KATA Double Road Race 15K held on September 14, 2024, Shadrack Kenduiywo, 24, smashed the world record by clocking 42:34, eclipsing the long-standing record of 43:11 held by Julius Koskei since 2015. Kenduiywo ran 28:33 for the 10K leg and 14:01 for the 5K.
“This was my first Double race, and I was happy. I knew the record was in sight,” he said. “During the break, I relaxed, drank water, ate fruit, and did a 20-minute warmup.”
Despite warm conditions (21°C), his performance was unstoppable. He led from the second kilometer, clocking 2:52, 2:50, 2:57… all the way to a 2:50 final kilometer. His 5K splits were 2:47, 2:48, 2:51, 2:47, and 2:44.
Kenduiywo’s personal bests at the time included:
• Half marathon: 61:24 (Padova, Italy)
• 25K: 1:15 (Berlin)
• 8K: 23:43
• 5K: 13:55 (Udeni)
He promises he’ll run even faster next time.
2024 Podium Highlights
Top Men
1. Shadrack Kenduiywo – 42:34 (28:33 + 14:01)
2. Martin Mumo – 43:18
3. Zachariah Kirika – 43:37
4. Collins Kiplagat – 44:39
5. John Njuguna – 45:11
Top Women
1. Alice Koigi – 50:00
2. Monica Wanjiku – 51:30
3. Susan Njuu – 53:07
Men Masters
1. Charles Ndirangu, 64 – 56:21
2. David Mwangi, 70 – 64:49
3. Joseph Kiraio, 72 – 73:40
Women Masters
1. Julia Njari, 47 – 60:43
2. Sheila Mbaku, 54 – 62:30
The event also included Bob Anderson’s Kids Mile (won by 12-year-old Benjamin Ndaro in 4:54), and a 5K youth race won by Denis Chege, 16, in 17:48.
With over 120 Double 15K races held globally and a new world record established at KATA Thika, the 5th edition promises to be the most exciting yet.
Click here to see top time lists and age group records:
https://www.doubleroadrace.com/records
Join us September 20, 2025, in Thika, Kenya, and experience Double Racing at its best.
(07/19/25) Views: 124Boris Baron
From Karate to 27:00: Zachariah Kirika’s Rise from Village Fighter to Road Racing Star
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.
(07/22/25) Views: 114Robert Kibet
