Kids' race at the Loroupe Peace Race (© David Macharia)
Barely ten months since the country faced a period of extreme inter-tribal violence and general civil unrest, the sixth edition of the annual Tegla Loroupe Peace Race, set for this Saturday (15 Nov) will offer a good opportunity for speeding-up the country's healing process.
Though the event organised by the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation is meant to foster peace between northern Kenya pastoral communities that have been involved in fighting over livestock rustling and pastures, the event will also offer a reconciliation platform for parties involved in the December/January violence that erupted due to disputed presidential vote results.
Since its inception in 2003, the peace race has been a perfect mingling point for people of all walks of life - the powerful, the humble, the rich, the poor, the sports-styled and the rocky, diplomats, civil servants and sports administrators.
It is expected that about 5000 people, who will include 1500 sports people will take part in this year's edition that will end at Makutano primary school and not at the stadium as usual because the stadium is booked for another event.
Since it was started only two athletes have won the senior men title twice Elias Kemboi, 2005 and 2007 and David Plimo (2003 and 2004). No woman has achieved that feat.
Kemboi has gone on to become a polished marathon runner. He won Rome marathon last year in 2:09:36 (PB) and in addition to being fourth in 2:10:33 in Paris was 14th at this year's New York Marathon.
Among the regular VIP attendants is the US Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya chairman Kipchoge Keino and top officials from Athletics Kenya.
Reports have indicated that the Prime Minister Raila Odinga is among those invited to this year's event. Other top government officials who presided over the event in the past have included former vice president Moody Awori in 2006.
Loroupe has used her sporting prowess to improve human conditions and because of her role in humanitarian projects, she received the prestigious Georg Von Opel award in 2003. She was the first Kenyan to receive the award which was presented in Frankfurt, Germany.
Loroupe can be termed as the country's mother of long distance running. In her prime she won three World Half Marathon titles in addition to setting a many World records and bests at various distances including the marathon.
David Macharia (Daily Nation) for the IAAF
