As a sportsman, open to many kinds of sports, the most doable kind of sports in this area seemed to be running. It took a few attempts to find a suitable track for a run. Although the track was occasionally challenging due to its surface, each time I was happy to have this option. It allowed me to pass several smaller villages nearby where I could meet locals: on their way to work or children on their way to school. In those smaller villages a white man is barely seen. Many children have showed their excitement and curiosity. And it felt quite good to get in touch with them. Enjoyed this a lot.

Some (children) came running from their compound just to wave and/or shake hands, friendly yelling “Mzungu”, which is the Swahili word for a white person. There was no running or walking activity without being welcomed so friendly.

Yes, there were also some people looking shy or sceptical at me. My humble interpretation is just a speculation: as a white man I have the privilege, time and ability doing these activities while locals must deal with their daily businesses. However, most of the times there were very friendly encounters and even small talks. Often times I have received several different gestures of greetings and felt welcomed in general. Some of them I saw again and again, some remembered me running with the kids. Of course they know who the kids are. A little local prominence (unlike when running anywhere else).

It was a pleasure not only to go for a run but also to enjoy this beautiful environment on almost always sunny mornings. Can a day start any better? Yes it can: the Korando kids and me already shared a hug right before. 🤗

No surprise that the kids noticed my activities. Upon every return they were curious how it was, were I ran, how long and in what time. My Garmin watch was always the thing they have checked. 😁 These kids are learning about the world and somehow this is part of it (in addition to Korando Activities).

Occasionally some boys wanted to join me on a run. It has started with Barak, very talented and really cunning when playing soccer. Later Joseph, Richard and others have asked. Each time I was happy about their company and was surprised about their strong will and their efforts given the lower experience with it and the more unfavourable equipment (some ran in Crocs). We went for a gentle run over a course of 3-5 km which was quite enough. Just a part of my usual track and back. Of course with permission due to responsibility.

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Once in a month I do a half marathon (except during the time of high summer). I was curious how it would be here in Kenya. I already have some experience with long runs in other countries, for instance Denmark, Laos and Vietnam. Still, I had no clue with regards to this different climate and surfaces. But I knew, many international running legends are Kenyans. In particular Eliud Kipchoge and Kelvin Kiptum (RIP). Outstanding athletes that I admire.

However, I decided to not just go for my standard route twice as I do this track already enough. 😂 I remembered that the city (or town) of Kisumu might be a better place due to its better surface. It was quite good. Not only for a half marathon but for anything above my default 11 km on a weekend. For several times. Other circumstances remain the same, especially to finish before 9 am the latest. Any later it is too hot. So it started by a 30-minute Tuk Tuk ride to get to town. Definitely worth it. Due to these efforts, it was only possible on the weekend since we’re too busy for this on weekdays.

There’s much less traffic on a weekend’s mornings, one of the reasons to go to town for a run. The challenge is to find a Tuk Tuk or Piki Piki (motorbike taxi). Once in town, the running track starts at the town’s Westend. Streets are far less busy, especially on Sundays, when most of the people go to the church. This track went through Milimani, Kisumu’s posh neighbourhood.

Once passed, streets got even emptier except for some Tuk Tuks and Pikis. Passed some small and less prosperous suburbs. At the end of the road along the Lake Victoria, I always enjoyed lots of green and a nice view on all sides.

There is also the famous Dunga Hill camp. Been there multiple times. What a nice and fancy place to hang out, especially on the weekends. I think it is a place for prosperous locals, tourists, and volunteers. Kind of a beer garden.

Unlike for a usual run through the villages, people are familiar with white people in this region here. Probably because of places to go out, like the Dunga Hill Camp, Hippo Point and other places nearby. Many (western) tourists use to go there. The Dunga Hill Camp became my favourite place to hang around. In that area however almost no one called me “Mzungu” unlike in villages out of town.

Each time also some curiosities have crossed my track, each time I could learn a little more about the people, the culture, the life in Kenya.

Likewise in villages, people were super friendly and curious. I was just unknown, a random white guy doing crazy things from their point of view. Despite running is very famous in Kenya, I barely saw a runner in this region. Only later im Nairobi. However, it was always nice to run on this track.

Another difference to Europe is, supermarkets are open on Sundays. That’s very inviting and helpful since I can go for groceries after the run. Juice drinks, snacks, fruits, chocolate. Basically anything nice to recover from running. And in addition some (sweet) stuff for the kids.

An extra fun is the way back to Korando by Tuk Tuk. Because as sweaty as I am, I insisted to take a “seat” in a Tuk Tuk’s “baggage compartment” at its backend. As pointed out in Introduction and quick facts, a Tuk Tuk ride starts with 6 passengers being onboarded. One passenger each to the left and right of the driver, 4 in the back row. Depending on the body size, that can be challenging. Either way each passenger sits very close to the next one. Straight at this point I won’t expose anyone to my sweaty running shirt. Instead, I enjoyed the view and the ride in a “baggage compartment”. And the driver did have 7 passengers. Good for him.

View from a Tuk Tuk’s “baggage compartment” on a less busy Sunday. Perhaps turn off the sound…