On Saturday, September 28th, ten Daraja girls woke before sunrise to stretch. Ready to run in The Amazing Maasai Ultra Marathon, the girls walked together to the start line at 6 AM. The Amazing Maasai Ultra was started by two teams on the Chinese version of the popular television show, The Amazing Race, China Rush. Paul and Francis, who made up the “Maasai Warrior” team quickly bonded with Molly and Sarah, or the “Ultra Marathoner” team. After talking about the need for education access for Kenyan girls, the group came together to collaborate on starting a Marathon to raise funds for school sponsorships.
Last year, Daraja Academy hosted the marathon runners during the week before the race during their acclimatization period. Since all marathon proceeds go toward educating Kenyan, specifically Maasai, girls, Daraja was an appropriate stop. After learning about Daraja and experiencing a day on campus, runner Jane Davis and her six year old daughter, Jayna returned at the beginning of September to volunteer with Daraja for three months and run the marathon with some students.
The runners representing Daraja were clearly excited the night before the race, as they stretched and jumped in between giggles late into the night in preparation. They woke by 4:30 AM to eat breakfast before singing the Daraja Anthem and marching to the start line at daybreak. Prepared to run 21K (13.1 miles), the girls took off as the morning sun broke the horizon.
While waiting for the first runners to come in, volunteers Dibo, Joyce, and Mary N were busy preparing medals, water, raffle tickets, bananas, and more. Juliet and Mesret, along with five Daraja teachers helped out with timing the runs at the finish line.
The first Daraja girl to finish the race was Rebecca, a second-year Daraja student who placed as the second female finisher for the 21K with a time of one hour and forty six minutes. Salome, Jesica, Ruth, Pauline, Winrose, Moreen, Lilian, Joyce (third year), and Alice all followed close behind, finishing before the three hour mark. Each girl beamed with esteem and pride as they crossed the finish line, with months training all feeling as if they’d paid off.
Daraja volunteer, Jane ran alongside Alice during the race. “She was confident the whole time. She kept telling me, I feel my body being strong. I can do this. She is someone who never previously considered herself a runner, and she sure should now. She did so well, I am so proud of her,” Jane reported.
As an integral aspect of putting on the marathon, Daraja student volunteers were all celebrated with thanks from the race directors. Staying involved with the girls education movement by participating in activities that benefit girls is important to Daraja students, as it unites them with girls around their country and the world. In addition, Daraja administration constantly seeks chances for students to showcase their talent and abilities. Daraja couldn’t be more proud of our runners and volunteers, and we thank The Amazing Maasai Ultra Marathon team for making the day a huge success!
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