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Tuigoin Sports Event
I want to write about a race that is most certainly off
most individuals to do list but should be on everyone’s
list. It is a race day of pure joy and fun. It is the
Tuigoin Sports Event. It is held in Tuigoin, a rural
village about 25 KM outside of Eldoret, Kenya and is
organized annually by Emmanuel KemboiTuigoin, Kenya I guess you are wondering how I found it. I work in Eldoret, Kenya running a medical exchange program between Brown and Moi University School of Medicine ( http://brownmedicine.org/kenya). Outside of the exchange program, I work in Tuberculosis, particularly at the intersection of TB and HIV. I have a TB projects Office there with a local staff. Emmanuel is a research assistant in my office working on HIV resistance. When Emmanuel graduated from college 12 years ago, he started a volleyball tournament in his small village. This was focused on youth to “keep them out of trouble and teach them values.”  Over the years the volleyball tournament has expanded to include running races as well. In 2009 there were over 5000 participants in a variety of events both road races and volleyball tournaments.. The sporting day is supported primarily by the community- the prizes are donated by individuals in the community. Volunteers run the races. A local field is donated for the course. All proceeds go to support the local schools and community. Emmanuel was particularly excited this year as he had his first corporate sponsor and another was attending to evaluate support for next year. Several of us in the office could not resist going to participate. It was a glorious sunny day in December (the “summer “ season in Kenya). We stopped at first in Emmanuel’s home to meet his family and to hear about the event.  It turns out there are multiple races held and you can sign up for as many as you wish.  I decided to sign up for two- the “Old Women’s” race and a “Women’s” 8 KM race. I do prefer the US term of Master’s Division to Old Women’s. However, since I was eligible – over age 35 years qualifies for this one- I figured I should enjoy to the fullest. The half marathon went out first and was truly across country race; all other races were held in the field with a mapped and roped track.  As is usual in Kenya, the starting time of the races was delayed somewhat- the 8 am start time went off at about 11 am so this put the races in the middle of the very sunny hot day with no shade. The first controversy occurred when the race organizers discussed canceling the Old Men’s 2 KM race due to the hot conditions, fearing for their health. A protest was raised by the two contestants- last year’s winner and his close rival were both there and ready to go. The race was on. It was close.  The rival won this year but I am sure they will be back again to dual it out like all good rivalries. The Old Women’s race followed. I did note that I was the oldest contestant in the race but undaunted went to the line.  I should have ran a practice “lap” to learn the winding course through the site- usually its purpose is as a cow pasture. I was slowed up a bit by dropping into a rather large hole in the course – luckily this was not in front of the reviewing stands. I was able to pop back up and finish 4th ( yes…if you count at the start line there were 4 of us).  Given that I had traveled the farthest for the races, I was allowed to stand by the podium at the awards ceremony and received a prize!! ( Please note- We are all in our track clothes for the ceremony. I did not think to take my Ronald McDonald track shirt with me but I was wearing the Women’s 5 KM T-shirt with the club logo.) In speaking to the winner of the race, it turns out that she had won the local 10 km the week before. I was inspired by her enthusiasm and love of the sport as well as her generosity in cheering me ( her new friend) through my next 8 km race.  Looking at her shoes, I knew that it was talent not gear that brought her swiftness. It turned out that we wore the same size shoe so I ended my day going home barefoot, but with new friends.  It was clear to me that she would put a new pair to good use. The high point of the day was the award ceremony for the half marathon, the longest race of the day. Now those were the best prizes! Second place received a sheep, first place a cow. The Nandi people consider a cow in higher esteem than money- this is why the cow is the reward for a half marathon winner!  Oh, well. might be hard to get those prizes back home – but I sure would like to try.  The Tuigoin road races will be in early December 2011. Entry forms are only available on race day. I can put you in touch with Emmanuel for any planning purposes. The race also has a website. They are still looking for sponsors for next year. Jane Carter. |
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