In 2009, I began mentoring Ben Kurgat, formerly a collegiate runner from Kenya and long time resident of Chapel Hill, helping him to structure his running idea into “Running-Far”.
Running-FAR (FAR stands “For A Reason”) brings amateur long distance runners from Kenya to the United States. Running FAR’s objectives are to:
- Teach Kenyan athletes about the opportunities available in the United States
- Provide training, coaching, housing and transportation to-from competitions
After the US racing season, the athletes bring their experiences back home to their villages in Africa. Runners are expected to teach the children in their villages about their experiences, the benefits of exercise and of aspiring to a life of more than subsistence farming. Running-FAR’s women runners have inspired other girls and women to run, breaking the cycle of dependence and control in male-dominated Kenya.
In 2010, I sponsored Julius Kogo and he had an amazing year. I was proud of how hard he trained and the races he won. He inspired me to run faster!
How can you help? Running-FAR needs:
- Frequent flyer miles or free tickets to get runners to/from Kenya
- Places for runners to stay
- Reliable transportation to get to runners to races
- Training gear
Or, you can sponsor a runner for $1,500 and Running-FAR will update you with race results after every competition.
Jim, Kenan & Karsen with the Running-FAR racers
Jim sponsors Running FAR runner Julius Kogo
Julius Kogo race results
The 2010 Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon was one for the record books. Julius Kogo set the standard on the men’s side. He broke the field and breezed to victory in a time 1:02:09.78.
The victory was a vindication for the Kenyan runner, who got lost and went of course in last year’s race. The Flint Journal Julius Kogo of Kenya crosses the finish line after winning the 2010 Crim 10 miler in 47:06.
