North America and several other countries host events called Tough Mudder. Billed as “probably the toughest event on the planet,” the events are “designed to drag you out of your comfort zone.” An internet search does not turn up any Tough Mudder events in Kenya, but a very muddy and challenging event, the Wezesha Bike Ride, recently made participants in Nairobi unintentional mudders as they biked, ran, and walked muddy trails to raise funds to support the Form 1 Class.
Wezesha Mudder:
A Day Diary of the Wezesha Bike Rideby Pauline Ng'ang'a
It is 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, and the light from the sun filters through a very thick layer of overhanging clouds. The worst of the torrential and damaging rains is over though a light drizzle remains. The rains, which began on Friday, turned Nairobi streets into flowing rivers. The eduKenya staff gathers at Mawewa School to head across town to the Ngong Forest Sanctuary, the venue of the Wezesha Bike Ride.As we wait for the advance team to get to the venue and confirm that the trails are passable, we walk up to the third floor of the school. One of the staff points out the 7-story apartment building, about 500 meters (0.3 miles) from Mawewa School, which collapsed during the night. We pray for those affected by the catastrophe (not yet knowing that one of our very own students narrowly escaped and lost his younger sister in the collapse).[caption id="attachment_3067" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Teacher Volunteers[/caption]Once we receive confirmation that the event is a go, we are off to the venue, arriving my 7:30. Our volunteer team includes teaching staff from both Mawewa Mathare and Mawewa Naivasha, eduKenya staff, and freshman students. As we travel, we talk about the journey to make this event happen. To get sponsors, we knocked on doors, called our friends, sent out letters, and joined events to publicize the Wezesha Campaign, the Kenyan fundraising arm of eduKenya. It has been a season of learning about what it means to fundraise in Kenya.[caption id="attachment_3068" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Volunteer staff on the walking trail[/caption]Staff members marked three trails yesterday, and caught in the deluge, got lost in the forest for hours. Thankfully, these brave souls found their way out and are remarking trails because the rains washed away the landmarks during the night. When completed, the volunteers get in place throughout the forest, participants check-in, and the race begins at 11:00 a.m.[caption id="attachment_3071" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
At the starting line[/caption]There are eight bikers, including Hazel, a 12-year-old girl and the only female cyclist. Titus Mumo, eduKenya Vision Team member, has been appointed as her riding buddy. The other six riders are in training to be professional bike racers. Once we pray together, the riders are off on a very muddy and slick trail. The experienced cyclists finished the course in record time. Titus and Hazel take longer but cross the finish line with smiles on their faces.[caption id="attachment_3070" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Hazel & Titus Mumo[/caption]The 5K walk does not start until all the bikers have passed the checkpoints, so our volunteers can return to the start and take part. The runners include several of our high school students who run long distances, twice a week at school.[caption id="attachment_3072" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Cyclist receiving an award[/caption]There is a soggy award ceremony following the races. A small cash prize is awarded to each rider and an African print jersey, compliments of Setutsi Fashion, for our female participant. The high school runners arrive back to the grounds first and earn medals graciously provided by Coulson Harney Law Firm in Nairobi. One guest receives an award for being the muddiest participant of the day![caption id="attachment_3073" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
End of the day smile[/caption]At the end of the day, everyone is cold, wet, muddy, tired, but happy. We are already anticipating a larger event next year and feel more confident because of the lessons we have learned through the 2016 Wezesha Bike Ride. Before we depart, we praise God that the event went off without incident, give thanks for those who participated and donated, and once again, lift up all who have suffered loss through the damaging effects of yesterday’s rain.
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11-12
Pauline Ng'ang'a is eduKenya's Kenyan Communication Coordinator