Run Together, Share Hope.
As of early 2024, over 70% of Kenyans are experiencing financial distress, with 18% in severe financial difficulty. This is primarily due to the rising cost of living and inflation, which has disproportionately affected low-income households.
Poverty statistics indicate that 36% of Kenyans live below the national poverty line, struggling to afford basic necessities like food, clothing, and footwear. Additionally, around 7.8% of Kenyans live in extreme poverty, earning less than $2.15 per day, which could include a lack of access to proper footwear.
Shared Hope in Kenya, Nairobi
Kenya, a country celebrated for producing some of the world’s most legendary runners faces a significant challenge: many of its aspiring athletes lack access to proper running shoes. For these runners, the right pair of shoes is not just a piece of gear, but a vital tool that enables them to train, compete, and realize their full potential. At Running for Hope, we recognize the importance of providing these athletes with the resources they need. Recently, we had the privilege of donating running shoes to Kenyan runners, helping to remove one of the barriers they face in their athletic journey. However, our mission doesn’t end here. We are actively expanding our efforts and reaching out to other countries where similar needs exist, in hopes of delivering shoes to athletes around the world. Through these donations, we aim to create opportunities and inspire hope, ensuring that no runner is held back by a lack of basic equipment.
Recent Activities
Drawing from my background as a track athlete, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Kenya, where I not only trained but also took part in coaching sessions. This experience allowed me to step into a new role, guiding and learning alongside local athletes. Immersing myself in Kenya's renowned running culture, I gained a deeper understanding of both the sport and the diverse perspectives that come with coaching athletes from different parts of the world. It was an eye-opening experience that expanded my appreciation for the global nature of track and field.
Our Mission
Many talented runners in Africa face significant challenges due to a lack of basic equipment, such as running shoes, which can impact their performance and limit their opportunities. Our mission is to support these athletes by donating running shoes, ensuring they have the necessary gear to pursue their passion and potential.
In 2024, August, we were able to donate about 100 pairs of running shoes in Kenya.
And this marked a significant milestone for our project, as we witnessed firsthand the positive impact these shoes had on the athletes' performance and morale. Seeing the joy and gratitude of the runners inspired us to push even harder to expand our efforts, with the goal of reaching more communities across Africa in the coming months.
Shoe Donation
Participated as a coach in training
Working with the Kenyan athletes, who approached every run with intense focus and passion, made me see running in a new light. Their dedication to pushing their limits, day in and day out, was awe-inspiring. Despite the cultural and language barriers, their love for the sport transcended those differences, creating an unspoken bond between us. The simplicity and purity with which they approached the sport were a reminder of the core values of discipline, perseverance, and the joy of self-improvement.