Category: News

Dear Swaras,
I hear Swaras have a reputation for hills. Well, there’s on mystery as to why! My own run came to a whopping 1,700m elevation gain – that’s the height of a pretty decent sized mountain! So no wonder we were beat after that run. But suffice it to say that the runners cheering each other on, the Trail Fox following us around with water and words of encouragement, and the cool weather, made this a FANTASTIC outing. To those who missed it, I have no words of comfort – you missed out! See you this coming Saturday at Forest Breeze Gardens, a bit closer to home. And enjoy the last-minute holiday today! See photo highlights from the Masai Eco Lodge run in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/6wPLHzxTTYd6Ll2P?ref=Link

This week’s run- Forest Breeze Gardens, Lenana

We’ve had a few weeks a bit far from home, so this weekend we give you a well-deserved lie-in, you only have to get to Lenana/Ngong Road for this one! Distances will be from 10km to 30km and breakfast will be optional for those in attendance. We will have a few Mt Kenya 2019 ultra t shirts and 10th anniversary singlets, and calendars available for sale, grab your bargain 300ksh calendar before the year ends! Find full details in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/6wPLHzxTTYd6Ll2P?ref=Link

Subs reminder

If your membership has lapsed and you want to pay to be up-to-date, please m-pesa the club’s Treasurer on 0740 912 116 – Samuel Waweru (this number appears on the Whatsapp group description and in the treasurer’s section in this Starting Line). Please note that the main Whatsapp group is for members only, so if your membership lapses you will be removed from this group, but may remain on the mailing list, social media, and Noticeboard group.

Shortcut to register right away for the Forest Breeze Gardens run: https://forms.gle/65Lb9FVx4zKaFZEZ9

#BreezeBy

Life just keeps getting berra and berra, right?? (if you know, you know). The run was even berra than ever, from Berra Hotel, going right up the hills, and giving ample photo opportunities with the towering turbines, and splendid views of the Rift Valley. And lo and behold, the sun even came out to greet us! Some of us got sunburnt (no naming names, but you will spot me – I mean THEM – for obvious reasons, running around the streets of Nairobi sporting a fetching sunburn)! For those of us who were running with the club for the first time, karibuni! Also, remember that the Ngong Hills and the trails around there are always open, so you can run there anytime, even outside of the Saturday Swara runs. There are some 2022 Swara calendars remaining, we are now selling them at the bargain price of 300ksh, so get something to spice up your walls or your mum’s upcountry home for the rest of the year 🙂 We also have a few leftover t shirts for 500-1,500ksh, grab one at the next run. See photo highlights from the run in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/dDYYaOjTammCOyIY?ref=Link

This week’s run – Masai Eco Lodge, Kajiado

Have you ever run from the jewel of Kajiado? No?! Well, now is your chance! Masai Eco Lodge is familiarly referred to as the jewel of Kajiado, and for good reason. It sits on a sprawling organic farm, has activities for all the family, and OF COURSE offers perfect running terrain for eager Swaras! So we will be running from there this Saturday 9th July, starting at 8am. There will be marked trails of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40km. You have the option of staying overnight (see rates attached and in the Starting Line) or just coming from the day (bring on the expressway)! It is approximately 100km from Nairobi, off the Namanga Highway at Kajiado. We encourage carpooling and invite you to signal carpooling preferences in the registration form, the results of which we will share throughout the week. Full details and link to register in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/dDYYaOjTammCOyIY?ref=Link

Subs reminder

If your membership has lapsed and you want to pay to be up-to-date, please m-pesa the club’s Treasurer on 0740 912 116 – Samuel Waweru (this number appears on the Whatsapp group description and in the treasurer’s section in this Starting Line). Please note that the main Whatsapp group is for members only, so if your membership lapses you will be removed from this group, but may remain on the mailing list, social media, and Noticeboard group.

#JewelOfTheCounty

We 120% proved that Swaras are all-weather, all-terrain human vehicles this weekend in Kimunye! We had runners covering up to 36km on the trails on the edge of Mount Kenya Forest, and we crossed rivers, were deafened by waterfalls, and breakfasted with our feet almost in the water! All this in bone-chillingly cold temperatures, but with HUGE smiles on everyone’s faces. Well done to everyone who ran, and well done to everyone who came forward to give a fellow Swara a lift! Also massive kudos to Run Captain Davis Munene, who took us to his Shags in style by organising this run. If you want to captain a run, reach out! See photo highlights and this week’s mileage challenge in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/Ts9yVX4kP2gpuSyT?ref=Link

We also had a big contingency at Lewa Marathon, and even saw Annika Berlin come in with a podium finish in the full marathon, a record in recent history; congratulations to her!

We had a great Zoom session on Wednesday, An Audience With Muindi Kimanzi, possibly one of the most dedicated runners in these parts, with more than 1,000 days of daily running, and a book about the experience under his belt. Thanks to Muindi, and to Michael Mawari for moderating the session.

This week’s run – Berra Hotel, Ngong

Berra is a runner’s favourite, and for good reason. It offers fabulous trails in the Ngong Hills and environs, is a nice, out-of-the-way location just outside of Ngong Town, and has showers, good, affordable food, and a pool for good measure! Trails starting from 10km, all the way up to 30km, will be marked for your delectation. See you there! Find full details and the link to register here: https://sway.office.com/Ts9yVX4kP2gpuSyT?ref=Link

Next out of town run

Be sure to book out your Saturday 9th July, when we will be running from Maasai Eco Lodge in Kajiado. This will be a FANTASTIC run that has been in high demand since it disappeared from the Swara calendar for some time. Don’t miss it! More info coming soon.#BerraAndBerra

Dear Swaras,
This past weekend in Ruaka we had a splendid trail and perfect weather and, if I may say so, a perfect band of Swara runners illuminating the trail in a way only Swaras know how! Thanks for coming, supporting this new venue for us as a club, and for completing and celebrating a very successful trail. See some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/jJFGCFs7EqqnREGr?ref=Link

This week’s run – Clinton Hotel, Dagoretti

This week we’re running from Clinton hotel, Dagoretti. The trail will be 85% trail (so very little tarmac) and there will be distances of up to 30km to choose from. See full details and link to register in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/jJFGCFs7EqqnREGr?ref=Link

Swara Speed Work

Thank you to all who have been attending the Swara speed work sessions. We will now be pausing them, and they will resume ahead of the next big running event!

Kimunye run

Next week we’re in Kimunye, and you can already register and plan for your transport now: https://forms.gle/KeX8FpcRqz2kvTyTA

#DagorettiTheGreat

The lucky runners who made it to Voi, we envy you! We had beautiful scenery, chewable hills, and an excellent afterparty. Our hosts, Afrika Lodges, never disappoint in their hospitality, so we thank them, as well as our excellent Trail Fox for a job well done, along with our Trail Queen, Loice Mbogo! See some stunning photo highlights in the Starting Line. We had a good number (almost half the party) completing the longest distance, at 60km. Well done to all who ran! See photo highlights here: https://sway.office.com/RzmPhfkeGzcvdzkN?ref=Link

Well done also to the brave few who made it out for a wet and cold speed work last Thursday. See you there for this Thursday’s session, which will happen, come rain or shine (you know Swaras, weather doesn’t stop us)!

This week’s run – Institute of Primate Research, Oloolua Forest, Karen.

This week we’re running from IPR in Oloolua Forest, in Karen. If you don’t know the place, you’re missing out! See you there Saturday morning for a great wind down after an intense few weeks of running. Choose from 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30km. See full info here: https://sway.office.com/RzmPhfkeGzcvdzkN?ref=Link

Swara Speed Work

Speed work is back. See you at Nyayo Stadium, Thursday from 5.30pm, until 7pm. Speed work will be held there every Thursday in May and June. Entrance is 200ksh, payable directly to the stadium. There is no fee payable to the club, this is open to all members. Please wear your club t shirts if you have one, so that you can be easily identified.

#Oloolualala

Dear Swaras,

Well done! Well done to ALL who ran on Saturday! Now you understand why we hyped it up, right?! It’s one heck of a run! Much like learning to drive, it looks easy until you’re in the thick of it. The heat, the hills, they all try to beat you down, but the Swara spirit, the togetherness, and the runner’s high keep you going! What a great run it was, and I hope you can ALL make it next time we do it. See photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/qpjuar3AYug3T3Bh?ref=Link

We also had an excellent speed work session at Nyayo Stadium, so be sure to attend this Thursday if you want to see what all the fuss is about. Thursday, from 5.30pm at Nyayo Stadium.

This week’s run – Voi Ultra Run!

It’s finally here…the 2022 Voi Ultra Run. Let’s do what Swaras do best, and enjoy a long, scenic, friendly run in Voi, and have an overnight social and hangout at Afrika Lodges! Non-members are of course welcome too, or feel free to bring your family or friends 🙂

The key details are below —>

The Route – The run will start and end at Afrika Lodges, in Voi. There will be a 15, 30, and 60km route. If you want any distance in between you may of course extend or combine the loops! It WILL be hilly and it WILL be hot and it WILL be beautiful! This is a new route, so those who took part last year, you will be in for a new treat!

Accommodation and meals – See poster below for accommodation rates. This is full-board, at Afrika Lodges, which has very clean, safe, and friendly rooms at affordable rates for Swaras, and plenty of room for everyone! Please book directly with Afrika Lodges using the details on the poster (0714 423 591). If you wish to stay somewhere else but still wish to take meals at Afrika Lodges, please contact me.

Transport – You can drive (we recommend car-pooling) down to Voi, straight down Mombasa Road, or you can choose to take the SGR. Please book early to avoid disappointment. The run is Saturday morning, so we suggest travelling down Friday, and travelling back Sunday (you don’t want to miss dinner, nyama choma and afterparty)!

Run support and registration – The nature of this run and the additional logistics involved in providing support to runners (food and drink on the trail) we will be asking for a 500ksh registration fee from all members. This is payable in advance via m-pesa to the club’s number 0740912116. Please fill this form and include the m-pesa payment confirmation code here, before Thursday 26th May: https://forms.gle/psDnz2zy9tQYTtGV8

Please remember that booking your hotel room does not count as registering the for the run, you must still register for the run. Full details and link to register here: https://sway.office.com/qpjuar3AYug3T3Bh?ref=Link

Swara Speed Work

Speed work is back, and after our session session last week, we expect numbers to continue grow, and people to get more used to this very different style of running, but one that REALLY improves your running all-round, and is a fun and cheap way to spend an early evening with other Swaras! We have moved speed work to Nyayo Stadium, Thursday from 5.30pm, until 7pm. Speed work will be held there every Thursday in May and June. Entrance is 200ksh, payable directly to the stadium. There is no fee payable to the club, this is open to all members. Please wear your club t shirts if you have one, so that you can be easily identified.

VoiVoiVoom!

This was one of those runs where people were out early on the trails, and out till late for the afterparty! Thank you to all who showed up for the Kitengela Run, and a special shoutout to our guests from the Kitengela running clubs, and also to Davis, our Treasurer, for scouting such an excellent trail for us! If YOU have a new trail that you think Swaras should enjoy, reach out to us, or let Loice or Shem know, we’re always seeking new thrills 🙂 See some photo highlights here: https://sway.office.com/lhu4VBa4vs1C6WDn?ref=Link

We also had an excellent speed work session at Nyayo Stadium, so be sure to attend this Thursday if you want to see what all the fuss is about. Also check out the details of this week’s Zoom session in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/lhu4VBa4vs1C6WDn?ref=Link

This week we are bringing back the LEGENDARY Chairman’s run; a run designed to test your endurance, your hill legs, and your Swaraness, you might say 🙂 This is an ‘A to B run’, whereby we meet at Hekima Place Children’s Home, Kona Baridi (Kiserian), on Magadi Road, and a bus will drop you at your chosen distance of 10 to 40km away from the meeting point, and you run back to the meeting point, along Magadi Road. This is what makes or breaks a Swara :-) See full details in the Starting Line, and register by Thursday to allow for planning of logistics. Registering in advance is very important to allow for the planning of these runs, so please always register by the Thursday before the Saturday run. Thank you! Full details and link to register in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/lhu4VBa4vs1C6WDn?ref=Link

An Audience With…Jeff Onyango!

This month’s Swara Zoom session is An Audience With Jeff Onyango, a professional strength and conditioning coach, talking about the merits of this cross-training for both elite AND recreational runners. Those of you who have had the pleasure of training with Jeff will understand how his trainings have helped champion runners build their strength to go on to win medals! Tune in Wednesday 18th May, 7pm on Zoom. Meeting ID: 712 246 2872, passcode 202617, link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7122462872?pwd=Lzl0cXhod2NkOVlnYTEvb1R4c1J0UT09

Swara Speed Work

Speed work is back, and after our first session last week, we expect numbers to grow, and people to get more used to this very different style of running, but one that REALLY improves your running all-round, and is a fun and cheap way to spend an early evening with other Swaras! We have moved speed work to Nyayo Stadium, Thursday from 5.30pm, until 7pm. Speed work will be held there every Thursday in May and June. Entrance is 200ksh, payable directly to the stadium. There is no fee payable to the club, this is open to all members. Please wear your club t shirts if you have one, so that you can be easily identified.

Something else to get excited about? Voi Ultra is this month!

That’s right, the Voi Ultra Run is back this month, the last Saturday of May, with a brand new out and back route, and it is now time to register and book your accommodation and transport so you know what you have to look forward to! See poster below for accommodation details. Book directly with Afrika Lodges. Distances of 15, 30, and 60km. The run will attract a 500ksh support fee, because of the additional support needed for a run of this scale. Book your transport and accommodation now to avoid disappointment! We will be sharing the registration form later this week. Accommodation is for Friday and Saturday night, full board. The run will be on Saturday.

Find all of this and more in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/lhu4VBa4vs1C6WDn?ref=Link

#RunTillYouDrop

Dear Swaras, 

Talk about 2 for the price of 1! This weekend we had a fantastic Saturday Swara run from Cellar’s Grill on Ngong Road, with a complimentary breakfast for all, and then on Sunday we had the Nairobi City/Expressway/Uhuru Marathon, where so many members also flexed their running muscles (some with complimentary entry thanks to a partnership between the club and the organisers). We had too many photos to choose from for this week’s Starting Line, so just featured a selection of the most telling. If you missed either, or both of them don’t worry, there’s a new run every Saturday! See the photo highlights here: https://sway.office.com/fC1hIJvvo8kGmVWP?ref=Link

This Saturday we’ll be running from another brand new trail, scouted by our distinguished treasurer and champ, Davis Munene, in Kitengela. The meeting point is Quickmart, OBC Mall, Kitengela, and breakfast point is Charlie’s Bistro, also in OBC Mall, Kitengela. Find full details and registration info here: https://sway.office.com/fC1hIJvvo8kGmVWP?ref=Link

You do not want to miss this, it is a fantastic new trail in a new Swara spot, so see you all there!

Swara Speed Work

More good news: speed work is back! We have moved speed work to Nyayo Stadium, Thursday from 5.30pm, until 7pm. Speed work will be held there every Thursday in May and June. Entrance is 200ksh, payable directly to the stadium. There is no fee payable to the club, this is open to all members. Please wear your club t shirts if you have one, so that you can be easily identified. 

#KitenTrail