Urban Swaras Running Club

Dear Swaras,

Thanks to all who attended last Saturday’s run from a brand new Swara venue (The Spring Valley Roastery), and who graced the tarmac and trails of the Spring Valley area. We hope you all enjoyed it, and felt like your limbs got a good shake-out after your exertions in Moshi for the Kilimanjaro Marathon! A reminder that speed work is now paused, and will hopefully resume later in the year. It’s important to give your body a well-deserved break, don’t forget that! See the Starting Line for some photo highlights and upcoming runs: https://sway.office.com/Ab5pDhe3zHLdrYEz?ref=Link

If you ever have suggestions for new trails, venues, or routes, reach out to the Swara committee! You can email us on urbanswaras@outlook.com.

Next week’s run

Next Saturday, 12th March, we are running from Levilla Gardens, in Kikuyu, where there are guaranteed great trails so get excited and get registering! There will be distances from 10 all the way up to 35km. For full details and the link to register see here: https://sway.office.com/Ab5pDhe3zHLdrYEz?ref=Link

Club Calendar

If you haven’t yet ordered your brand new USRC wall calendar, do so now!

This brand new calendar goes for 500ksh, and you can pick up one, two, or as many as you like for yourself and your running buddies.

Payment to be made to the club m-pesa number: 0740 912 116 (Samuel Waweru) as you place your order below.

Select your shipping option – Delivery (at your cost) or Collection (Run beyond, Ngong Rd Physio, Decathlon, club run, etc).

To order, fill in this form: https://forms.gle/kbhu4YUMGEHrpwYr5

#RunRoundTheGardens

Dear Swaras,
How to sum up the weekend in just a few sentences?? Impossible!! The weekend we had all been waiting for for so long has now been and gone, but the sore legs, the memories, and the runner’s high will stay with us for a while yet. To those who took part in Kilimanjaro Marathon, we celebrate you all. A few special shout-outs to be made: our very own able Treasurer, Davis Munene, not only cycled to Moshi from Nairobi, but went on to get a phenomenal sub-3hour (2h50mins!!!) marathon time to boot! Annika Berlin scooped a number 4 place in the women’s race, with a staggering 3h14mins in the 42km race, and did herself and us all proud on the podium! Some of our Swara ladies (Nyaruai Muhoro, Eugenie Nouala, Avani Patel, Marylyne Chebet, Winfred Gichuru, and Ciru Hinga) summitted Mount Kilimanjaro the days before the marathon, flying the Swara flag high, and then some of them went on to run the various race distances. Similarly, Victor Kamau raced up Kilimanjaro in breathtaking speed over a single day, and then completed the marathon in a time that would make most people’s eyes water. There are MANY photo highlights to check out in the Starting Line:
https://sway.office.com/o1WHxClFrGTasnfg?ref=Link

These are just some of the highlights, as we had more than 100 runners in Moshi, and they ALL deserve a huge congratulations, you all did the club proud, and most importantly, yourselves! I also hear the afterparty was one to remember 😉 So please insert your name into the following sentence for a personal shout-out: ‘Dear Urban Swara member, (insert name here), you are a champion, a dedicated and valued recreational runner, and you should be extremely proud of what you have done, run, and shared!’

We also had some members at the Lucozade Forest Run and Cycle event, and Marieke Geurts came out with a podium finish in the half marathon category! Thanks to Lucozade for offering the free entries to the club. Last but not least, a number of Swaras were at the Mount Kenya Run, Meru, running their hearts out. See the photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/o1WHxClFrGTasnfg?ref=Link

Next week’s run

Now we can look forward to our next club run in just 5 days, at The Spring Valley Roastery, in Spring Valley. This is a new venue for the club, and we’re very excited to be running from a venue that boasts such an excellent brand, and is fully in support of the club’s activities. The route will be mostly tarmac, with distances from 10km up to 25km, so whether you’re recovering from your exertions of this past weekend, or training for your next challenge, there’s something for everyone. Let’s all come together and share wild running stories from the past few weeks! There will be a small quantities of t shirts available for those still waiting to buy a club t-shirt.

Club Calendar

If you haven’t yet ordered your brand new USRC wall calendar, do so now!

This brand new calendar goes for 500ksh, and you can pick up one, two, or as many as you like for yourself and your running buddies. Payment to be made to the club m-pesa number: 0740 912 116 (Samuel Waweru) as you place your order below.
Select your shipping option – Delivery (at your cost) or Collection (Run beyond, Ngong Rd Physio, Decathlon, club run, etc).
To order, and get a sneak peek of the calendar, fill in this form: https://forms.gle/kbhu4YUMGEHrpwYr5

#OutForARoasting

Dear Swaras,

A shed is usually a small structure to store items away from the elements, in a field or garden. That doesn’t sound like something Swaras need, right?! But still, our run from The Shed in Mwimuto/Kitisuru was just what Swaras needed! With under a week now to go to until Kilimanjaro Marathon, all the training you could do has already been done, and whether you’re out to get a PB, or just out to have fun, the real countdown is finally on! We as a club wish you all the very best for your run, whatever your distance or your motivation. We encourage you to have fun, enjoy yourself, and encourage other runners, be they Swaras or any other runners, it goes a long way! See some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/iJc4byqCAYyGD1MF?ref=Link

KILIMANJARO MARATHON

BIBS

Those of you who shared your bib numbers, they will be waiting at your hotel reception if you are staying at Lutheran or Kilimanjaro Safaris Lodge. If you are staying anywhere else, you should collect them from Lutheran. If you did not give me your bib number personally or through the Google form which closed over a week ago, you will need to make arrangements to collect it yourself.

TRANSPORT

If travelling with the shuttles please ensure you are at Silver Springs hotel by 6.30am on Friday or Saturday (depending on the day you booked for) for a 7am departure. You will need to collect your paper tickets at the office there if you have not yet done so, so please ensure you are there before 7am. The buses will not be able to wait for latecomers. There is no parking on-site so please come by public means or get dropped off. Departure from Moshi on Sunday will be at 3pm, and on Monday morning at 6am from your hotel (if staying at Lutheran or Kilimanjaro Safaris). If staying anywhere please ensure you are at Lutheran or Kilimanjaro Safaris Lodge on time for the return bus.

RACE DAY

Each runner is responsible for getting themselves to the start line on time. So be sure to check the race details and have your race number on you and a good breakfast in you! The Swara hotels (Lutheran and Kiliamanjaro Safaris Lodge) will have breakfast ready early enough for your to take before your run.

HOTELS

Please pay for your accommodation directly to the hotel. Dinner will be available at Lutheran Hotel free of charge for those staying there. If you would like to take dinner at Lutheran, please contact me (the MC, Claire) to book, for an extra fee.

Any questions? Contact Claire, Whatsapp +33615209676, Safaricom +254702745372

NAIROBI RUN

If you are not attending Kilimanjaro Marathon, we invite you to run at Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary, following the marked routes (5, 10, 15, and 21km). Entry fee of 100-200ksh apply, payable by m-pesa. Please bring your own water in a reusable bottle or hydration pack.

Speed work!

The last speed work session before Kili is here! This week it will be on Wednesday not Thursday, from 5.30pm, at Impala Club, Ngong Road. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

New members

If ever anyone asks you ‘how do I become a member?’ then here is the newly refreshed link to send them where they can do everything to become a member right there and then and start running with us! https://urbanswaras.co.ke/new-members/

All of this and more can always be found in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/iJc4byqCAYyGD1MF?ref=Link

#MarathonReady

A huge thank you to all who came to the Graceland Upcountry Run and made this edition a huge success. Thank you to all who encouraged each other on the trail, danced the night away to the live band, brought along friends and guests, and supported Graceland Girls School with their passion for running. Running Is Living after all 🙂 If you have any photos from the event, please share them with the MC on Whatsapp +33615209676 and if you want to share a write-up of your experiences you can also reach out! Thank you to Wachira Nderitu for spearheading this run and inviting the Swaras. A number of other clubs were also present, including our brothers and sisters of the Nyeri Blazers. Well done to all! Check out some awesome photo highlights here: https://sway.office.com/zna08gVFxXx6TxeG?ref=Link
As we approach Kilimanjaro Marathon, let’s have one more big run before then, from The Shed, in Mwimuto/Kitusuru. We can all have breakfast together afterwards (their breakfast is famously good value for money) and gear ourselves up for Kili! Full details and link to register here: https://sway.office.com/zna08gVFxXx6TxeG?ref=Link

Speed work!
Speed work is back! The next session is happening this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

New members
If ever anyone asks you ‘how do I become a member?’ then here is the newly refreshed link to send them where they can do everything to become a member right there and then and start running with us! https://urbanswaras.co.ke/new-members/

#RaceToKili

We already knew that Ngong has some stunning trails, and beautiful views, but we didn’t know these specific ones until Saturday. Thanks to all who came for the Ngong Matasia run, we hope you enjoyed the run! See some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/IuwdhnURdFlymDY4?ref=Link

This Saturday we are heading to Graceland for the Annual Graceland Upcountry Run. There are still a handful of spaces left for this run, so hit reply to this message and let us know if you want to attend, and which distance you want to do (30km or 55km). For those not attending, we invite you all to run in the marked trails of Karura Forest. Full details in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/IuwdhnURdFlymDY4?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

We are working on ensuring your Kilimanjaro Marathon bibs can be collected in Moshi before the marathon, and dropped at your hotel (Lutheran or Kilimanjaro Safaris Lodge), and if you’re not staying in Swara accommodation they will be dropped at Lutheran so you can collect them from there. We have had some cancelations so if you would like to stay in Swara accommodation please reply to this message. If you still require accommodation you can book directly with Golden View Hotel who will require a deposit. Whatsapp them: +255 688 883 266. Ensure you book your transport with Kibo Slopes Safari if you want to travel with the Swara group. The cost is 3,400ksh to Till number 593140 (Kibo Slopes Safaris ltd) and then follow up with a call or message to them at +254 722 506061 letting them know your name, your desired travel dates, and state explicitly that you are with the Urban Swaras Running Club group.

Speed work!

Speed work is back! The next session is happening this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

#AmazingGraceland

WHAT A RUN!!?? Right?! Anyone who disagrees, file an official letter of complaint to the Trail Queen and Trail Fox but all I can imagine you would have to complain about is that it was too awesome 🙂 Tea fields, trail, hills, hiking, post-run activities, perfectly glorious warm weather, and so many amazing runners coming together for a good run and a good time. See the Starting Line for some awesome photo highlights of the Kereita run from The Forest: https://sway.office.com/fXaCVgB4Aj7ChGHG?ref=Link

This coming Saturday we’re headed to Ngong to go loopy around the Matasia Loop in Kahara. See the Starting Line for full details and to register: https://sway.office.com/fXaCVgB4Aj7ChGHG?ref=Link

Graceland

If anyone still wants to register for Graceland Run on 12th February, for either the 30km or 55km, please reach out with your name and chosen number to clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / call/SMS 0792 745 372 / Whatsapp +33615209676

Kili Marathon – PLEASE READ

Our accommodation is now all full. If you still require accommodation you can book directly with Golden View Hotel who will require a deposit. Whatsapp them: +255 688 883 266 to book. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon right away, registration closes oon! If you are planning to come with the Swara group (use the grouped shuttle option and/or Swara accommodation and/or bib collection) please fill out this form, and ensure you fill out all sections by tomorrow. If you do not share these details by tomorrow we will not be able to collect your bibs and you will have to collect your own bibs. We are overwhelmed with how many people are going to Kili, so please help us with logistics by providing all required information, and by reading through all the updates provided in Swara communication. Remember, This form must be completed by next Tuesday 1st February: https://forms.gle/EBjxnq86Foaq38DL6

Speed work!

Speed work is back! The next session is happening this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

#LoopTheLoop

Two days ago we ran from Kasuku Centre, Kileleshwa, and we had a huge turnout, with a great ambience and many new members! Thanks to you all for making it a great run. Please do remember that registering for a Saturday run in advance helps us with our planning as a volunteer-run club, so please remember to register in advance if you plan on coming for a run. Some photos from Saturday and details of the upcoming run here: https://sway.office.com/Ms7GNgXVn8004pWH?ref=Link

This coming Saturday we are not heading to ‘A’ forest we are heading to ‘The Forest’, the adventure venue and beautiful land of rolling halls in Kereita, on the road to Naivasha. Please note the slightly later start time and advance payment required, full details in the Starting Line. Also the directions should be studied carefully or Google Maps may misdirect you. This run has severally been nicknamed ‘more of a hike than a run’ and ‘one of the most beautiful runs in the Swara calendar’ so I don’t think you want to miss it. You can make a day of it with ziplining, cycling, archery, and nature trails. Check out full details in the Starting Line and register right away! https://sway.office.com/Ms7GNgXVn8004pWH?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

Our second hotel is almost full, so if you want accommodation, please let me know immediately by email or Whatsapp or text: clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / SMS 0792 745372 / Whatsapp +33615209676. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon right away! If you are planning to come with the Swara group (use the grouped shuttle option and/or Swara accommodation and/or bib collection) please fill out this form, and ensure you fill out all sections. We are overwhelmed with how many people are going to Kili, so please help us with logistics by providing all required information, and by reading through all the updates provided in Swara communication. This form must be completed by next Tuesday 1st February: https://forms.gle/EBjxnq86Foaq38DL6

Speed work!

Speed work is back! We had our first session last Thursday, with Davis putting us through our paces. The second session is happening this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

#NotJustAnyForest

We were warmly welcomed by Leleshwa Getaway on Saturday, for a beautiful run across the Kitengela Plains with views of the Nairobi National Park and some animal sightings, including a camel (yes you heard that right)!!! See that photo and other highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/jvuMnKGH86xjcE48?ref=Link

Welcome to all of our new members, we’re excited to run with you in 2022 and get to know you all more. Remember, the club is open to all: new members, guests, new runners, seasoned runners looking for a more social running outlet, you name it! We welcome you all, and encourage everyone to make friends, find people that have a similar pace, or share contacts, breakfast, and a moment. We’re a club after all 🙂

Next week’s run, on Saturday 22nd January, is from Kasuku Centre, Kileleshwa, for a majority tarmac run. This is great prep for those going to KIlimanjaro Marathon next month. There will be a 5km trail for beginners, so be sure to invite some friends along! Speaking of which, find more logistics updates for the marathon below. Full info and link to register here: https://sway.office.com/jvuMnKGH86xjcE48?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

The 20 rooms we have booked for Swaras at Lutheran are now full. We have a few rooms at Kilimanjaro Safaris Lodge. If you plan to attend and would like to book a room, please email/text the MC right away: clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / SMS 0792 745372 / Whatsapp +33615209676 to pre-book. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon – early bird slots are open. We are hoping to coordinate travel and bib pickup as a club, though this is subject to it being considered safe and prudent to travel given the COVID situation in both Kenya and Tanzania. For your transport, please book directly with Impala Shuttle, and tell them very explicitly that you are with Urban Swaras Running Club party (very important). Please send me a message (email/text/Whatsapp using the details above) when you have booked your transport. Return trip is 3400ksh, Buy Good till number for Impala Shuttle is 593140 and the number to call to confirm directly with Impala Shuttle is +254 722 506061.

Speed work!

Speed work is back, for a trial run (no pun intended). Starting this Thursday, from 5.30pm at Impala Club, on Ngong Road. Your trainer will be Davis Munene. This is open to all members, no need to register. You pay 100ksh entry fee directly to Impala Club (be sure to come with m pesa for this). Wear your Swara t shirt, and if you don’t have one, talk to Davis on the day!

#KileToKili

Dear Swaras,

We certainly kicked off the year in style! We took over the streets of Karen, and I’m sure many of you were surprised to discover hills of Karen that you never knew existed (I certainly was). The best bit of the run? The team spirit that was evident in runners helping each other, people sharing training tips, and keeping pace with each other when times got tough. It’s always a beautiful thing to see. Welcome to all of our new members, we’re excited to run with you in 2022 and get to know you all more. Remember, the club is open to all: new members, guests, new runners, seasoned runners looking for a more social running outlet, you name it! We welcome you all, and encourage everyone to make friends, find people that have a similar pace, or share contacts, breakfast, and a moment. We’re a club after all 🙂 See some highlights and a word from the treasurer in this week’s Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/sUdc5qYc9FX5XUVp?ref=Link

Next week’s run, on Saturday 15th January, is from Leleshwa Getaway, a beautiful venue on Kitengela Plains, with views of the national park and Nairobi’s skyline. We encourage everyone to bring a hydration pack or refillable bottle as it can get quite hot. The venue has a pool and a lovely bar and restaurant, so feel free to make a day of it! Kitengela Glass is close by, and the area is peaceful and a lovely day trip. Full details and link to register in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/sUdc5qYc9FX5XUVp?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

The 20 rooms we have booked for Swaras are almost full! If you plan to attend and would like to book a room, please email/text the MC right away: clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / SMS 0792 745372 / Whatsapp +33615209676 to pre-book. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon – early bird slots are open. We are hoping to coordinate travel and bib pickup as a club, though this is subject to it being considered safe and prudent to travel given the COVID situation in both Kenya and Tanzania: https://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com/2022-entries/ We will be in touch about bib collection and transport in the coming weeks.

#GetawayFromItAll

Happy New Running Year to each and every one of you! It’s not just a new year but a chance to set your running intentions for the year, and what better way than to kick things off with our first big run of the year! Tradition dictates that we start the year off in Karen, and so the venue for this Saturday’s run is Elevel Lounge, off Ngong Road, Karen We will have a special beginner’s 5km trail for those looking to get into a running club for the first time, so invite your friends who have been too shy to join us before, or your colleague or neighbour who’s keen to take their running to the next level – this run is the perfect introduction to the running world, as it will be reasonably flat with mostly tarmac.

See the Starting Line for full details on this Saturday’s Karen run and to register: https://sway.office.com/2DmTNH5TLixPVU82?ref=Link

Kili Marathon

We have booked 20 rooms at Lutheran Guest House in Moshi for Swaras planning to attend the Kilimanjaro Marathon on Sunday 27th February 2022. If you plan to attend and would like to book a room, please email/text the MC: clairesimonebaker@gmail.com / SMS 0792 745372 / Whatsapp +33615209676 to pre-book. Also a friendly reminder to register for the marathon – early bird slots are open. We are hoping to coordinate travel and bib pickup as a club, though this is subject to it being considered safe and prudent to travel given the COVID situation in both Kenya and Tanzania: https://www.kilimanjaromarathon.com/2022-entries/

#NewRunningYear