Marathon 2010 – the week in contrast
November 6, 2010
Too close
Here I was, standing just a few metres from the most powerful man in the country. The national anthem, which had played so many times in my lifetime, was on. The brass band had over-done themselves on this tune. Their sound was coming from my immediate left, the man of the moment just straight ahead, while we were on a tent just opposite the main dais. The weather was still, with no sunshine. In fact, it started drizzling as the Agricultural secretary was giving his remarks. Those on my immediate front row, being exposes to the drizzles, started dragging their seats backwards, causing a momentary commotion. The many men in dark suits were in chagrin – but on this day they must have been sufficiently philanthropic, since they did not make any attempt to move towards our tent.
But where was such a weather when we needed it last Sunday? On this thirty-first day of October, I had woken up at 5am and took breakfast, whose paraphernalia had been set the previous night. (On the same prep day Saturday, I had spend the whole day virtually in bed – a prerequisite rest before the full 42km run that I was to participate in). After breakfast, I dressed up in the running gear, which consisted a polyster T-shirt branded '24-hour Banking' on the front side. Just below these words, was affixed my race number 459. I had already written my details on the lower part of the number, just below the perforation. The back side of the shirt must have been branded 'Run for Sight' – but I did not have eyes behind me, so I would have to read someone else's or ask someone to read it for me. I had the blue running shorts and brown sports shoes. The timing chip was this time round affixed behind the run number and was disposable. (Previously, we were provided with white disc shaped timers that we affixed on the running shoes. These would be handed back at the finishing line).
Early morning
I left the house at 5.30am for the 15minutes walk to the assembly point at the workplace. The departure time was to be strictly 6.00am. At the main gate, I found the bus ready. I had spend the last three days of the working week reminding the driver of the importance of this day. On Friday he had reconfirmed that he would be at the compound by 5.45am. We had already purchased some bottled water and energy drinks, which we now loaded onto the bus as we awaited the departure time. True to threat, at exactly 6.00am, the bus left the compound. By this time, two athletes who had confirmed use of bus had not yet arrived – but an agreement is an agreement.
The Ngong road was unusually free from its characteristic traffic jam that persists almost 24-hours daily. By 6.30am we were already at the KNH-Mbagathi road junction. We took Mbagathi road towards Langata road, with the intention of joining Langata road to the Nyayo stadium venue of the event. At the junction, however, we found the road towards the stadium already closed. The time was just about 6.40am. The alternative route would take us through some side roads to finally get us near the stadium. This is where I alighted and started my jog towards the stadium. I knew that my race was about to start and could not risk any more time in the bus. The rest remained in the bus to navigate through the now jammed alternative route.
I joined the big crowd that was at the 42km assembly point on Mombasa road, just after the area marked '42km elite runners'. The elites were behind the starting line. At this early time of the morning, the weather was unpredictable. It was cool as any typical morning, but lacked insight into what it would bring forth in the next few hours. At 6.55am the horn sounded and the wheel chair race started, about twenty metres from where I was standing. This marked the start of movement of all athletes towards the starting line. The announcer requested athletes to keep still, but the mass of humanity pressed forward to the starting point. A restraining human shield of about twenty security guards lined up across the road, attempted to push athletes back. Only the easing of pressure from the runners enabled their shield to remain intact, otherwise their efforts were nothing compared to the thousands eager to start the run.
Starting out
At exactly 7.00am there was sound of gun shot – this is what marked the beginning of the run. My first thoughts as I started off easily were the rationale behind having a gun start such important events. Aren't guns symbolism for death and murder? But I let this line of thought slip through, as I headed for the railway flyover towards the Uhuru park circuit. Later I would get back to Uhuru highway from the park, run to University way roundabout, then Kenyatta avenue tour back to the Uhuru highway. We did a short tour of Parliament road, then another tour of Haile Sellasie avenue. Each of these city street tours got us back to Uhuru highway.
I was back to the stadium at about 7.45am. I expected to have covered about 10km by this time. We were just using the same route of last year, which I was now very farmiliar with. The part of the run that I hate is the two circuits on Mombasa road, each about 16km. I was at the extreme end of the course on the first circuit at about 8.20am. Then all of a sudden, the sun was switched on!
One week later, here I am enjoying this fine weather. After the initial drizzles, the weather has improved quite suddenly. In a blink, the showers are off and a mild but warm sunshine has emerged overhead. It is now about one o'clock. “May I now take this opportunity to invite His Excellency the President to address you. Welcome Mr. President,” the Minister for Livestock Development declares.
There is applause, while those on the main podium and the next ones to the left and right stand up. The big group on our tent stays put. The rest resume their seats when the president starts his speech. The good weather provides perfect atmosphere for photography. While our research activities is receiving accolades from the highest quarters, our armature photography is being put to the test, as we click away. But the thought of last weekend's run could just not go away...
The sun
When the sun started heating me after 8.20am, I decided to put on the cap that I was all along just carrying on my hand. The run back to the stadium for the second circuit was uneventful. I met with the 21km runners on my side of the road, and saw the others on the opposite side. Someone shouts, “Prezi,” on the opposite side of the road. I recognize a familiar cap. I raise my own cap in acknowledgment. As we face the second circuit at the Nyayo stadium roundabout, there is a sign that reads '42km first round, turn right'. I am full of envy for the 21km runners who are on a compulsory '21km turn left to stadium'.
The second circuit was memorable for the intensive sun. It was the hottest day in my run history at the Nairobi event! I severally had to pour the bottled water on my head to keep me going. The organizers compensated for this by making sure that water was available at all water points in the course of both circuits – something that they neglected last year (though the weather favoured them then). I ensured that I picked a 250ml water bottle at each water point since the start of the run at the city tour circuit. (I recall a fellow athlete warning me not to 'take water' during my run. I looked at him and knew that he was running for the first time at a stretch more that 10km). In fact I had to start picking two water bottles at each point as I was getting back to the finish on the second circuit. I took some and washed myself in the rest. It was hot, I told you!
Every year the organizers fail in this particular area, and this year was no exception – the distance markers! There was none, apart from one that indicated '35km' somewhere on Mombasa road. When I saw it on the first circuit, after about 90minutes of run, I was about so celebrate breaking of a record, since that would mean finishing the run in about 2hrs! But I had studied the map and knew that it was a two-circuit run. I now realize that the marker was even misplaced, based on the timing that I finally did. I was embarrassed to see a lot of distance markers laying in a pile at the extreme end of the run circuit on Mombasa road!!
Good times
While David Barmasai, 893, was finishing the run in 2.10.31 followed by Philemon Gitia in 2.11.10 and Vincent Sittuk in 2.12.09, the ladies champs were just behind them. Hellen Kiprop lead their pack in 2.31.11, while Leah Malot and Frashiah Nyambura followed in 2.33.41 and 2.35.09. The course records of 2.10.12 and 2.28.07 respectively were still intact. I had seen these athletes heading to the finish line while I was on the second circuit. I was not bothered though. I was ready to finish the run in whatever time this year. A 3.30hr would make me happy, but any finish time was good enough. I was doing the third consecutive 42km with varied past results – both of which were under 3.30hr. My inaugural run in '08 was done in 3.26.27 on a cool Nairobi morning. My best time was achieved last year when I did a 3.07.51 run – but at the expense of almost not making it for another run. When I finally reached the stadium for the finish, my time was reading 3.26.00 as I finalized the last 400m inside the stadium. The final drive to the finish line was achieved due to the cheers from colleagues at the terraces. But where were the photographers to capture this big moment?
It is not long since about seven football fans died at this same stadium following a stampede when one of the gates was broken down. This event led to the closure of the stadium for all events. There was even fear that the marathon may be canceled or relocated to a different venue. Being allowed to use the venue came at a price – no one was allowed in the main field. After finishing the run, all were being directed outside the stadium, then to the terraces. After my run, I picked a medal at the tents outside the stadium, then walked to the assembly point where other colleagues were. I noticed that the medal did not indicate the run date or year! It simply had inscription 'Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 42km finisher'. The lace however indicated 'Nairobi Marathon 2010'. (The medals upto 2008 indicated the date of run and run series on the medal itself. I know that recycling is a worldwide phenomena, but surely, not the medals!). We hardly managed any photos before we were on our way out. The usual entertainment, taking a walk in the field, medical camps, food stations, drink vendors, photography at the finishers podium and the traditional group photo at the finish line were all left to nostalgia – the stadium was just closed!
The Helix
On this Friday when the final anthem was played and the president departed, we were left with the opportunity to visit the commemorative plaque that he had just unveiled. There were so many colleague photographers to capture the moment. The red carpet, the podium, the presidential dais, the helix (this DNA structure was actually what the day was all about. The structure stands about two meter tall). Beneath the helix, was the plaque that read “BecA Hub was officially opened by HE The President of The Republic of Kenya on 5-Nov-2010”.
Last Sunday night I slept tired, with arching legs and forced to wake up to a work day. One week later, am waking up late, rested and feeling good. It is not a work day and I can still afford another rest day tomorrow. Last Sunday, someone shouted 'prezi' while I was on the track. One week later, it is mentioned in whispers with lots of caution. Last Sunday, I could only guess my final run time. One week later, my final time is published at the marathon website as 3.27.14. The events of yesterday a real contrast to those of last Sunday.
WWB, Nairobi, Kenya, November 6, 2010
