Shoe4Africa Women's 5K Race
This project's parent organization is Shoe4Africa
It operates in Kenya
It uses Athletics
Entered the Sport for Health Award
More about Shoe4Africa Women's 5K Race
Our founder Toby Tanser is a former professional runner for Sweden, Iceland and Nike. So a gravitation towards athletics, was a natural progression. We also chose to tackle the biggest problem in the region that desperately needed a viable solution, with a recognized and accepted sport. Iten, Kenya is home of many world class athlete. So using running; became a relatable sport to approach and address the problem. This being the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS and the lack of knowledge, prevention and treatment of the epidemic in rural Marakwet, Trans Zoia and Uasin Gishu districts of Kenya.
Shoe4Africa started Kenya’s only women’s race. Our runners came is all ages; from ages 6 to 86. We give our runners bright yellow t-shirts for free, with HIV/AIDS awareness printed on each t-shirt. We strategically picked our course to run right though Iten town to further reach out to men and other locals who perhaps might have otherwise not heard of our cause. We offer each runner a gift of a new pair of running shoes after each annual race. But our greatest reason for the race comes after the prizes are given and running shoes handed out. It’s the knowledge of HIV/AIDS.