Author: Secretary

Dear Swaras,
Unfortunately we will not be able to offer the run at Settler’s View Resort due to route conditions: intense rains, overgrown grass and thicket, too muddy and concerns from tea estate managers.
We are therefore announcing a late change of Venue to Kasuku Centre, Kileleshwa. 
Apologies for any inconvenience caused, we know a few of you had registered and were looking forward to it, as were we as officials! 

Dear Swaras,

We got back to our roots this past weekend, with a trail run around Nkoroi/Rongai, from The Smith. Those who braved the rain as they left the house were rewarded once they got to The Smith, with clear skies and a not (too) muddy trail! There was also a lovely and lively breakfast shared by all after the run, thank you to all who joined. Kudos to Benja, our Trail Fox, who had to completely remark as a result of the rains, never an easy task. See some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/NfOCO3xMIgxFcFLz?ref=Link

This week’s run – Settler’s View Resort, Kiambu

This weekend we will be running from Settler’s View Resort in Kiambu. We will have distances from 10km to 30km, with a majority trail. Sadly Lynton Farm Ecogreen run is not happening this year, as previously scheduled, but we will still be running from the same venue, so still expect the same great trail run! See the Starting Line for more details and to register: https://sway.office.com/NfOCO3xMIgxFcFLz?ref=Link

Notice of AGM

Two weeks ago we shared with you notice of our upcoming AGM. Nominations for Officials and CRE will be opening THIS WEEK, keep an eye out, and don’t be afraid to step up to be a part of the leadership of our club!

See below.

—-

Dear Swara members, 

It is my pleasure, as Secretary of this great club, to formally announce that the Urban Swaras Running Club Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday 2nd December from 11am at The Radix Hotel, Langata Road, open to current members. 

If you are not a member, or your membership is not up to date, you will not be able to attend or vote. We urge you to update your status as soon as possible to ensure you have a voice in how your club is run (no pun intended).

The AGM structure will be as follows:

1. Preliminaries 
2. Approval of last year’s AGM minutes and matters arising
3. Chairman’s Report on club activities
4. Treasurer’s report on financial activities
5. Appointing of auditor (where necessary)
6. Discussions and voting on changes to membership, subscriptions, and constitution (where necessary)
7. Election of officials and CRE members
8. Any other matters for discussion submitted by members at least seven (7) days in advance. 
9. Adjournment

Therefore if you have any matters you would like the club to discuss, and are an active member, please submit them by email to clairesimonebaker@gmail.com at least seven days before the AGM.

By order of the officials and the CRE.

#SettlingDown

Dear Swaras,

We truly went back in time this weekend, with our Golden Oldies themed end of year dinner, which was a huge hit, and fully booked! There was a soul train, there was poetry, there were awards, there was cake and stickers, there was an award for best dressed, there was a quiz thanks to David Gray of Quizmasters, and there were just enough speeches to make us feel loved by all!

Thanks to all who attended and made it such an event to remember. Special thanks to our sponsors, Shiwan Adventures, Kingvale Insurance, and Avani Patel. Also thanks to our members who volunteered to put the event together: Njeri the Poet (MC), Margaret Njuguna (awards), Malaika (decor), and Felicita. Thanks also to James and Benja for helping out on the night. Well done to all who won awards, and also to ALL who survived the Urban Swaras 2023, what a running year we’ve had! See some awesome photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/4s6wS88Vi1HAOceZ?ref=Link

Before that we also had a very present-day run from Ambo Gardens, a great way to warm up for the evening party!

This week’s run – The Smith, Rongai

Join us at The Smith Hotel in Rongai, for some nice trail and dirt roads, oh how we’ve missed you! Distances on offer from 10km to 30km. See the Starting Line for more details and to register: https://sway.office.com/4s6wS88Vi1HAOceZ?ref=Link

Notice of AGM

Last week we shared with you notice of our upcoming AGM. Nominations for Officials and CRE will be opening soon, keep an eye out, and don’t be afraid to step up to be a part of the leadership of our club!

See below.

—-

Dear Swara members,

It is my pleasure, as Secretary of this great club, to formally announce that the Urban Swaras Running Club Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday 2nd December from 11am at The Radix Hotel, Langata Road, open to current members.

If you are not a member, or your membership is not up to date, you will not be able to attend or vote. We urge you to update your status as soon as possible to ensure you have a voice in how your club is run (no pun intended).

The AGM structure will be as follows:

Preliminaries
Approval of last year’s AGM minutes and matters arising
Chairman’s Report on club activities
Treasurer’s report on financial activities
Appointing of auditor (where necessary)
Discussions and voting on changes to membership, subscriptions, and constitution (where necessary)
Election of officials and CRE members
Any other matters for discussion submitted by members at least seven (7) days in advance.
Adjournment
Therefore if you have any matters you would like the club to discuss, and are an active member, please submit them by email to clairesimonebaker@gmail.com at least seven days before the AGM.

By order of the officials and the CRE.

#RongaiRongirl

Dear Swaras,

What an epic running weekend it was for the entire Nairobi recreational running community! After our well-attended run from Lava Latte on Saturday, with stretches by the incomparable Elvis Abonyo (kudos to him), on Sunday tens of thousands of runners poured out to run the 5, 10, 21, and 42km runs at Stan Chart, and the vibe was electric! I know for a fact we had a number of PBs, and some maiden marathons/half marathons, and I hope you’re all still enjoying that runners’ high! We hope you enjoyed the tent, and sharing it with a couple of other recreational running clubs, and a BIG thank you to Benja, James, Avani, John and Levyne, who volunteered from eeeearly morning to support the runners for the full course, and also those who went back out onto the course to support on tired legs after their own runs (notably Felicita, Richard and David). It was a beautiful day, and, I’m sure you’ll agree, a great day to be a Swara! See MANY photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/31i9jPP4hV2zvHsm?ref=Link

If you’ve not yet booked your spot at the end of year dinner, you have until Wednesday 1st November 5pm to do so! What are you waiting for?! I’m pleased to announced that the 3,500ksh booking fee WILL include ONE beer or wine for those who want something more than ‘just’ the runner’s high 😉 Time is ticking:

You also have until end of today (Monday 30th October) to nominate who you want to be honoured in the end of year awards: https://forms.gle/oiB1BcWTFfPjFxWA8

This week’s run – Ambo Gardens

Join us at Ambo Gardens in Lavington for a cool-down run, with distances from 10km to 30km, mostly on tarmac. Come out in numbers, so we can witness the transformation from sweaty runners to swinging 60s divas and dancers for the evening party 😉 See the Starting Line for more details and to register: https://sway.office.com/31i9jPP4hV2zvHsm?ref=Link

Upcoming runs

Not a run but a party!

Let’s celebrate our running year together, with a dinner and opportunity to dress up and party, with the Urban Swaras End of Year Dinner 2023. 

Venue: Qaribu Inn, Waiyaki Way, Loresho

Date: Saturday 4th November

Time: 6.30pm till late

Theme: Golden Oldies – 60s and 70s retro! Crack out those bell bottoms, big lapel jackets, platform heels, or anything else you think captures the spirit of those classic technicolour decades. 

Tickets; 3,500 KES, inclusive of three course dinner and soft drink or local beer or glass of wine.

Extras: DJ and cash bar, and some little surprises for sure!

Paybill number 222111, account number 2106011, business name Urban Swaras Running Club

We have a new sponsor! Thanks to Shiwan Adventures for sponsoring the event, you can find out more about their adventure and team building services here: https://www.facebook.com/ShiwanAdventures

Link to book: https://forms.gle/ffx3uxdsyV477kyt9

#GetYourGrooveOn

Well done Swaras and guests alike, you turned out in full force for this week’s Valley Arcade run, knocked the trail (metaphorically) out of the park, and we even had a veteran Swara reunion after the run, with some founding members coming together to reminisce and admire how far their club has come. That’s testament to you all, as members and supporters of this unique, almost 15 year old recreational running club, led by volunteers, and driven by the pure passion that #RunningIsLiving. And have you booked your spot at the end of year dinner yet?! What are you waiting for?! Time is ticking: https://forms.gle/ffx3uxdsyV477kyt9

See Starting Line for some photo highlights: https://sway.office.com/rBAP6FujCJmOmCH7?ref=Link

We still have a couple of singlets and of course, the ubiquitous yellow t shirt in plenty! Pick one up at your next run.

All those who registered for Stan Chart by end of Monday 9th October, your kits are available for collection from the next run, or reach out to us to arrange for delivery. Everyone else, you will collect your kits from Uhuru Gardens from the 23rd October.

This week’s run – Lava Latte, State House Road

This week we are having a short shake-out run from Lava Latte on State House Road, with distances of 5, 10, and 15km only. A chance to ground yourself before your big marathon on Sunday, or to get a few kms in if you’re just in it for fun! You can stay on for a sociable breakfast with your fellow Swaras, with a great breakfast offer provided by the venue. Post-run stretching will be led by our very own Elvis Abonyo. See Starting Line for more details and to register: https://sway.office.com/rBAP6FujCJmOmCH7?ref=Link

Upcoming runs

Stan Chart

Stan Chart is this weekend, in case you missed it! Registration is now CLOSED. A few important bits of info:

• Whatever distance you’re running, get there early enough to not be in a rush. Starting times are 6am for the full, 7am for the half, and 8am for the 10km.
• There will be a small Swara tent in the run village, shared with a couple of other running clubs, for you to leave belongings at, but of course, we advise against leaving valuables there. We advise against bringing your car, instead use public means or get dropped off. Look for the Swara teardrop banners to locate the tent.
• There will be Stan Chart standard support on the course, and some special Swara support, thanks to an able group of generous volunteers. PLEASE wear your Swara t shirt/singlet/jacket/cap for them to recognise you! The Swara volunteers will also be Swara branded so you can’t miss them.
• Cheer on your fellow runners! Give a smile or a thumbs up to someone doing well, someone struggling, or someone you recognise, it really can go a long way.
• When you’re finished, it’s always nice to cheer on at the finish line, or find a spot along the course to cheer on those who haven’t yet finished, we strongly encourage you to do so!
• Enjoy the run! We wish each and every one of you the very best.

Not a run but a party!

Let’s celebrate our running year together, with a dinner and opportunity to dress up and party, with the Urban Swaras End of Year Dinner 2023.

Venue: Qaribu Inn, Waiyaki Way, Loresho

Date: Saturday 4th November

Time: 6.30pm till late

Theme: Golden Oldies – 60s and 70s retro! Crack out those bell bottoms, big lapel jackets, platform heels, or anything else you think captures the spirit of those classic technicolour decades.

Tickets; 3,500 KES, inclusive of three course dinner and soft drink

Extras: DJ and cash bar, and some little surprises for sure!

Paybill number 222111, account number 2106011, business name Urban Swaras Running Club

We have a new sponsor! Thanks to Shiwan Adventures for sponsoring the event, you can find out more about their adventure and team building services here: https://www.facebook.com/ShiwanAdventures

Link to book: https://forms.gle/ffx3uxdsyV477kyt9

#RunningIsLiving

Dear Swaras, 

Thanks for being part of another weekly Swara run, this time from Berra Lounge. Anyone who was complaining about the cold at flagging off was soon eating their words as the sun came out, and we enjoyed a beautiful trail run with views of the infamous Ngong Hills forming a stunning backdrop. We still have a couple of singlets and of course, the ubiquitous yellow t shirt in plenty! Pick one up at your next run. See some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/Lmx5ncXA76hL4pNt?ref=Link

All those who registered for Stan Chart by end of Sunday 8th October (and even Monday), your kits are available for collection from the next two runs, or reach out to us to arrange for delivery. Everyone else, you will collect your kits from Uhuru Gardens from the 23rd October. Don’t forget to register for Stan Chart, by far the biggest gathering of recreational runners in Kenya!

Allow us to also pause for a minute and congratulate the MANY Swaras who ran their hearts out and their legs off in Amsterdam and Cape Town! I have it on good authority that both cities offer plenty of options for post-run celebrations, so I hope you all treat yourselves after your exertions! Be sure to congratulate a fellow runner next time you see them on the trail.

This week’s run – Valley Arcade

This week we are running from Valley Arcade, in the heart of Kilimani, with distances up to 30km, so whether you’re tapering for Stan Chart, or looking for a nice long distance, or a short run from near home, we’ve got what you’re looking for! You can stay on for a sociable breakfast with your fellow Swaras from the Java in Valley Arcade or another eatery of your choice. See the Starting Line for more details and to register: https://sway.office.com/Lmx5ncXA76hL4pNt?ref=Link

Upcoming runs

Stan Chart

Registration is already open for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, happening on Sunday 29th October, and you can register using the exclusive Swara link here: https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6078&agentonly=true&login=true&userid=108667&noback=true

Not a run but a party!

Let’s celebrate our running year together, with a dinner and opportunity to dress up and party, with the Urban Swaras End of Year Dinner 2023. 

Venue: Qaribu Inn, Waiyaki Way, Loresho

Date: Saturday 4th November

Time: 6.30pm till late

Theme: Golden Oldies – 60s and 70s retro! Crack out those bell bottoms, big lapel jackets, platform heels, or anything else you think captures the spirit of those classic technicolour decades. 

Tickets; 3,500 KES, inclusive of three course dinner and soft drink

Extras: DJ and cash bar, and some little surprises for sure!

Paybill number 222111, account number 2106011, business name Urban Swaras Running Club

Link to book: https://forms.gle/ffx3uxdsyV477kyt9

#ValleyPeople

Dear Swaras,

What a year it’s been…and it’s not over yet! But as we near the end of 2023, let’s take the time to celebrate our efforts, our achievements, and our very own running club, with the Urban Swaras End of Year Dinner.

Venue: Qaribu Inn, Waiyaki Way, Loresho

Date: Saturday 4th November

Time: 6.30pm till late

Theme: Golden Oldies – 60s and 70s retro! Crack out those bell bottoms, big lapel jackets, platform heels, or anything else you think captures the spirit of those classic technicolour decades.

Tickets; 3,500 KES, inclusive of three course dinner and soft drink

Extras: DJ and cash bar, and some little surprises for sure!

Click here to book and make payment: https://forms.gle/ffx3uxdsyV477kyt9

If you are interested in sponsoring the event or getting involved in any way, please reach out to clairesimonebaker@gmail.com

This weekend we were at Waterfront in Karen, where we had a great run around hidden gems in Karen, and some lesser known hills that this neighbourhood boasts, believe it or not! Hoping you all enjoyed the run and the breakfast afterwards. We still have a couple of singlets and of course, the ubiquitous yellow t shirt in plenty! Pick one up at your next run. See some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/Iw8VUf4VfzqegbS7?ref=Link

All those who registered for Stan Chart by end of Sunday 8th October, we will have your kits available for collection from this Saturday! Everyone else, you will collect your kits from Uhuru Gardens from the 23rd October. Don’t forget to register for Stan Chart, by far the biggest gathering of recreational runners in Kenya! See more info in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/Iw8VUf4VfzqegbS7?ref=Link

This week’s run – Berra Hotel, Ngong

This week we are running from Berra Hotel, in Ngong, a fan favourite, a welcoming haven for runners surrounded by great trails, and also offering free showers and affordable, hearty breakfast on order! Distances on offer will be up to 30km, with a good amount of trail and hills, so stretch yourself, then enjoy a sociable breakfast with your running buddies (or make new running buddies)! See the Starting Line for more details and to register: https://sway.office.com/Iw8VUf4VfzqegbS7?ref=Link

Upcoming runs

Stan Chart

Registration is already open for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, happening on Sunday 29th October, and you can register using the exclusive Swara link here: https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6078&agentonly=true&login=true&userid=108667&noback=true

#BerraAndBerra

We had a nice hilly run around State House area Saturday just gone, and a great breakfast at United Kenya Club. Please do remember to either register for the run if you plan to attend, or attend if you do indeed register! Having accurate registration numbers is crucial to be able to offer you the best coordination and venues for each of our runs, so thank you in advance for your cooperation. See the Starting Line for some photo highlights and to register for next week’s run: https://sway.office.com/uKHJiI2BquQkMeOR?ref=Link

Remember, we have more exciting runs coming up, see the Starting Line to find out more, and register for Stan Chart: https://sway.office.com/uKHJiI2BquQkMeOR?ref=Link

This week’s run – Waterfront Mall, Karen

This week we are running from the Waterfront Mall, Karen, right in the heart of the fantastic Karen, great for a fast tarmac run, and you can get a nice long run in ahead of your Stan Chart tapering. Distances on offer will be up to 30km, so stretch yourself, then enjoy a sociable breakfast with your running buddies (or make new running buddies)! See the Starting Line for more details and to register: https://sway.office.com/uKHJiI2BquQkMeOR?ref=Link

Upcoming runs

Stan Chart

Registration is already open for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, happening on Sunday 29th October, and you can register using the exclusive Swara link here: https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6078&agentonly=true&login=true&userid=108667&noback=true

#RunByTheWater

Dear Swaras,

Good things come to those who wait, and for those who had been hotly anticipating the Mount Kenya Ultra as their big run of the year, this was certainly a very good thing that came after a long wait! We had a record-breaking turnout, with almost 300 runners taking part across the four activities: 25km run, 50km run, 80km run, and 80km ride. Support was top-notch, with runners swamped with chapatis and fruits and all sorts, and there were smiles and good cheer all round. You can find an official photo album here: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOlhIwo9DtLkAQuez523Ff2Z-qspynK1DGHZBRbq5koWucroU1Kx8bwUQkJFuWhIw?key=MWlLU0hkOUlFZjZBbVZRbHlzVENlNmJ6ZHktc2l3

You’ll find some photo highlights in the Starting Line (Link to Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/HBXMchup9qCb3ERr?ref=Link) to browse through as a start! Huge thank you to our co-organisers, the Nyeri County Government, and the Mount Kenya Blazers, as well as the many sponsors. Join me in also sharing a huge round of applause for Masika, our committee member, and main leader of the Organising Committee!

If you have any feedback to share on the run, or a story to tell, send us a message! clairesimonebaker@gmail.com

Well done also to all the Swaras who took part in the Friends of Karura Forest Run, and also Belin Marathon, we were cheering you all on.

Remember, we have more exciting runs coming up, see the Starting Line to find out more, and sign up to be in the Naivasha Relay team, and register for Stan Chart – a jam packed next couple of months! Link to Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/HBXMchup9qCb3ERr?ref=Link

This week’s run – United Kenya Club, State House Road

This week we are running from United Kenya Club, on State House Road. This will be a majority tarmac, town-based run, from a brand new location for the Swaras, and free changing room facilities available for after the run, in case you need to rush off somewhere fancy. Distances on offer will be up to 25km. See the Starting Line for more details and to register: https://sway.office.com/HBXMchup9qCb3ERr?ref=Link

Upcoming runs

Naivasha Relay

This a legendary, epic, and unmissable run, taking you on a relay trail run in teams of 9, across more than 90km from Nairobi all the way to Naivasha! Organised every year by the Nairobi Hash House Harriers, we are opening up to members of the Swaras to be part of the Swara team(s). Reach out on clairesimonebaker@gmail.com by Tuesday 26th September if you’re interested. There will be a team fee, and fees for transport and food and accommodation, so this is not a normal run (though of course it will be subsidised by the club). The relay will take up the weekend of the 7th October 2023.

Stan Chart

Registration is open for the fast approaching Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, happening on Sunday 29th October, and you can register using the exclusive Swara link here: https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6078&agentonly=true&login=true&userid=108667&noback=true

#UnitedWeRun