Dear Swaras,

What a fantastic Voi Ultra Run! We can safely say the 2023 edition was one not to forget, with the weather saving some unseasonal surprises for us, and the Trail Fox cracking out some hills that had the runners panting and stopping for support mid-stride! Well done to all who ran, and especially to those who broke their own distance records, we’re proud of you! See some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/CHrZVOpzEjERdNDc?ref=Link

This week’s run – Oloolu Natura Trail, Karen

This week we’re running from the Institute of Primate Research situated in Oloolua Foret, in Karen. Be sure to enter the forest and follow the road to the institute – if you park at the entrance you’ll have a long walk to the start line! Distances from 10 to 30km will be available. See the Starting Line for full details and to register: https://sway.office.com/CHrZVOpzEjERdNDc?ref=Link

#We’reAllPrimates

We had a great run from Jowac Sports Club, Ndenderu, this Saturday, with more hills than we dreamed of the night before, and more laughs and stretches post-run than your heart could ever desire. Thanks to everyone for bringing good vibes and to our Trail Fox for marking a fantastic route. Check out some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/dSox1BeUDqPBHc4G?ref=Link. You’ll also find some photo highlights from Swaras representing at the Strathmore University VC’s Run and even in Cairo and Washington DC!

This week’s run – Voi Ultra Run

This week is our annual Voi Ultra Run, from Afrika Lodges, in Voi! We have distances up to 64km to help a young-at-heart member celebrate their 64th birthday, so pick a distance, plan your travel, book your accommodation (or pack a blanket ;-)) and register, and we’ll see you there! See below for more details and to register. Register now, deadline is Thursday, and be sure to book your accommodation by tomorrow as the rooms will be released to the general public from tomorrow. Check out the starting line for full details and to register: https://sway.office.com/dSox1BeUDqPBHc4G?ref=Link

Dear Swaras,

What a fantastic time we had with the recreational running community at the Sahihi Green Walk and Run. A great turnout from the Swaras, who partners with the organisers to support this edition. We ‘drunk up’ the tea fields and views and hills for days! See photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/ElREE0BVVirKp3L5?ref=Link

This week’s run – Jowac Sports Club, Ndenderu

This week we are running from Jowac Sports Club, in Ndenderu, which is off Limuru Road, just past Ruaka. There will be distances of up to 35km, so plenty to stretch your legs on a Saturday, but still have energy for Voi the weekend after!! See the Starting Line for more details and to register: https://sway.office.com/ElREE0BVVirKp3L5?ref=Link

Upcoming out of town run

The next out of town run you can all start looking forward to is the Voi Ultra, the weekend of the 3rd June. Book your weekend now, and register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQ6vlojPWQTUOxfcNV9BXziyxGXY2jlTxEX6G_-dByIMz8Ow/viewform

#Jo(y)wac

Dear Swaras,

We had a great turnout for our first run from a new venue, Hotel Troy, which I think we can all agree was a beautiful environment for a run, and also a phenomenal post-run breakfast! Thanks to all who attended.

P.s. We have sold almost all the Swara jackets we had in stock, we only have a couple left, so be sure to check them out at our next run. Check out some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/9Ry5w1Qsjqf4FNI8?ref=Link

This week’s run – Sahihi Green Run, Cianda, Kiambu

This week we are partnering with the Sahihi Green Run and Walk to offer a beautiful trail run in Kiambu County. Official distances on the flyer are 5, 10, and 21km, but we are also offering additional distances of 15, 25 and 30km, so there will be 5, 10, 15, 21, 25 and 30km on offer! Registration is FREE for members, and you only need to register with the Swaras, not with the event organisers. Guests, please register using the information on the poster, and pay the fees as indicated there. Swara guest fees do not apply for this run. Full details in the Starting Line (be sure to read through all the details, as the parking situation is a little particular): https://sway.office.com/9Ry5w1Qsjqf4FNI8?ref=Link

Upcoming out of town run

The next out of town run you can all start looking forward to is the Voi Ultra, the weekend of the 3rd June. Book your weekend now, and register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQ6vlojPWQTUOxfcNV9BXziyxGXY2jlTxEX6G_-dByIMz8Ow/viewform

Don’t forget, at the bottom of the Starting Line we always share a few other non-Swara runs that are upcoming, so keep scrolling to get the full picture!

#TheTimeIsSahihi

Dear Swaras,

This Starting Line is sponsored by AMREF Flying Doctors. Find out more about their Maisha Medical Evacuation Plan, so that you can be covered for all your running or other adventures: https://flydoc.org/maisha/products/

Let me hear a HUGE round of applause for our three Swara teams, that stormed the Nairobi Marathon Relay this weekend! Team Flying Swaras, Team Wannabes, and Team Gel Polish all ran fantastic runs, and Flying Swaras even came in at number 5! Team Sherehe was also out in full force cheering from the sidelines, and a shout out to all the other Swaras who ran in other teams – it was a truly beautiful day for Nairobi recreation running. Well done to you all! See the MANY photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/imjo30fpT3FLjcJE?ref=Link

This week’s run – Hotel Troy, Langata

This week’s run is from Hotel Troy, off Magadi Road. This will be a town run, mostly tarmac, with distances from 10 up to 35km. Optional breakfast will be available directly from the Hotel. See the Starting Line for full details and to register! https://sway.office.com/imjo30fpT3FLjcJE?ref=Link

Upcoming out of town run

The next out of town run you can all start looking forward to is the Voi Ultra, the weekend of the 3rd June. Book your weekend now, more info to come!

We had a beautifully scenic run this past weekend, from Leleshwa Getaway, and if you don’t believe me, check out some of the beautiful shots captured by our very own runner-cum-photographer Baraka Kuria in the Starting Line (https://sway.office.com/3iE6lH6ZCOrRySn0?ref=Link)! We also had a reporter from Swedish National Television come to get some footage of our run, but this won’t be aired for another few months – watch this space!

Well done to all who were in London this weekend – ’tis the season for major marathons, so we are so proud of all Swaras who have flown the Swara flag high in London, Boston, Vienna, Rotterdam, and anywhere else in the world! Keep rocking those streets and trails 🙂 See some photo highlights here: https://sway.office.com/3iE6lH6ZCOrRySn0?ref=Link

This week’s run – Aberdare Cottages, Murang’a

It is upon us! The Aberdare Cottages run is here, promising views a plenty, and terrain to test your tenacity. You can either do the round trip in a day or stay the night before and/or after at Aberdare Cottages. There will surely be some mbuzi on offer, so it’s well worth considering an overnight stay! Book directly with the hotel; feel free to share with a friend, rooms are limited.

Aberdare Cottages Rates:

Camping Bed and Breakfast 2,500 per person

Camping bed and breakfast with own tent 1,500 per person

Bed and Breakfast Single 4,000 and twin 3,000 per person sharing

Contact for booking: 0721646613 Zac or Michael 0720053308

The run will be flagged off at 7.30am to give you all time to arrive, and distances available are 10, 15, 25, and 40km.

Full details and link to register in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/3iE6lH6ZCOrRySn0?ref=Link

Dear Swaras,

Swaras scared off the rain! It stopped just before we started running this Saturday, from Cafe Bistro, so we should start renting out our rain-scaring-off services as they are POTENT! It was a great town run, discovering some new parts of South C and Upper Hill (for the longer distances) and we had a great number of guests, karibuni tena! The Aberdare Cottages Run is coming up at the end of the month, and if you intend to stay overnight, book right away, rooms are filling up fast! See the Starting Line for more details: https://sway.office.com/r0UGmLafpv4Zbr4F?ref=Link

This week’s run – Leleshwa Getaway, Rongai

This week we’re running from Leleshwa Getaway – last time I did this run I came across zebras, had a swim after the run, and enjoyed one of the best Swara breakfasts on offer. Just saying 😉 Distances up to 35km, and full info and link to sign up in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/r0UGmLafpv4Zbr4F?ref=Link

Next out of town run

The next big out of town run we have to look forward to is the Aberdare Cottage Ultra in the Aberdares (duh) which is coming up the week after Leleshwa Getaway. It’s coming up on the 29th April, so be sure to book that weekend! You can either do the round trip in a day or stay the night before and/or after at Aberdare Cottage. There will surely be some mbuzi on offer, so it’s well worth considering an overnight stay! Book directly with the hotel; feel free to share with a friend, rooms are limited, as is money 😉 Run registration link coming soon.

Aberdare Cottage Rates:

Camping Bed and Breakfast 2,500 per person

Camping bed and breakfast with own tent 1,500 per person

Bed and Breakfast Single 4,000 and twin 3,000 per person sharing

Contact for booking: 0721646613 Zac or Michael 0720053308

#GetawayFromTheCity

Well that’s it folks, the first Swara Diani run has come and gone! Sorry/not sorry to those who missed it – you had better be there next time, it is the only credible cure for FOMO, so I hear.

Some of the highlights: the entire run being re-marked at a moment’s notice after an all-night downpour; watermelon and sodas every few kilometres thanks to our Kwale Runner helpers; 40km, with 12km on the beach (ngaiiiii), the hotel manager running with us; afterparty at The Full Moon (what happens in Diani…) and an after-after party in Wasini! Phew! Photo highlights below. Thanks to Masika for organising us, and to all who joined us for making it a memorable long weekend!

This week’s run – Cafe Bistro, Madaraka

This week we’re running from Cafe Bistro, at Rubis Nyayo Stadium/Madaraka. This will therefore be a town run, so expect mostly tarmac. Full details and link to register below. We will also have the Red Bull Wings To Fly team on-site for you to register for the upcoming Wings To Fly run, and also get a cold can of red bull at the end!

Next out of town run

The next big out of town run we have to look forward to is the Aberdare Cottage Ultra in the Aberdares (duh). It’s coming up on the 29th April, so be sure to book that weekend! You can either do the round trip in a day or stay the night before and/or after at Aberdare Cottage. There will surely be some mbuzi on offer, so it’s well worth considering an overnight stay! Book directly with the hotel; feel free to share with a friend, rooms are limited, as is money 😉 Run registration link coming soon.

Aberdare Cottage Rates:

Camping Bed and Breakfast 2,500 per person

Camping bed and breakfast with own tent 1,500 per person

Bed and Breakfast Single 4,000 and twin 3,000 per person sharing

Contact for booking: 0721646613 Zac or Michael 0720053308

Thanks to all who showed up for our Kileleshwa Run, I hope you enjoyed the urban trails that our Trail Fox treated us to! See some photo highlights in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/FgQdSdbpdHIKewoZ?ref=Link

This week’s run – Diani!

It’s finally time! The Diani Urban Swaras run is here, as is the loooooong weekend.

Be warned: the bus is FULL, and only those who paid up in full before today (Monday) have a space on the bus. There is however some space in 2nd class on the SGR (they added a carriage), so please go ahead and book and then register for the run here: https://forms.gle/Amxkto1ZZgQskpKa8

Find full info below and in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/FgQdSdbpdHIKewoZ?ref=Link

Key info

Swara transport – Nairobi–> Diani (Kaskazi) boarding 5.45 am, departing Friday 7th April 6am SHARP from Shell Petrol Station, Argwings Khodek, Hurlingham (SIlver Springs Roundabout – there is a Java House within the petrol station), arriving Diani approximately 4pm. Lunch stop-off in Voi at Afrika Lodges, at own cost. Return Monday 10th April, leaving Diani 10am.

Accommodation – Kaskazi Beach Resort, 6,000ksh per person half-board single per night, or 5,000ksh per person half-board sharing per night.

Run – Saturday 6.15am flagging off from Kaskazi Beach Resort, distances 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40km!

Next out of town run

The next big out of town run we have to look forward to is the Aberdare Cottage Ultra in the Aberdares (duh). It’s coming up on the 29th April, so be sure to book that weekend!

#DianiHereWeCome!!

We were running from Kikuyu this week, with some fantastic camaraderie and trails for all to delight in. Many Swaras also showed up to cheer on the Ultra Running Kenya Backyard Run (a 6.7km loop every hour), another beautiful show of solidarity and camaraderie! Don’t forget to register for the upcoming Diani run – it’s in less than a month, and if you want your space on the bus, register and pay up now – if you registered but didn’t pay, send payment and an SMS with your name and the purpose of the payment to 0740 912 116 (Samuel Waweru): https://forms.gle/Amxkto1ZZgQskpKa8

Find photo highlights from the Kikuyu run here in the Starting Line: https://sway.office.com/Ml6Dyu5YLJ5RD4qL?ref=Link

This week’s run – Run2Gether Training Camp, Longonot

How often do you get to run with elites in the Great Rift Valley, AND get free breakfast? Well, with the Urban Swaras it comes (around) once a year, and now is the time! We are running at Run2Gether Training Camp. This is a breathtaking spot to run in, and you are surrounded by our very own elites and aspiring elites, so I GUARANTEE you will learn a thing or two! The club sponsors breakfast for everyone (Swaras, and members of the camp), and best of all, you can put your less-than-mint-condition running gear to good use by donating them! Running shoes, hydration packs, tights, t shirts, or even everyday clothes and shoes, bring them along to donate (so long as they’re at least in working condition); they can be for any gender or age, even kids stuff is useful, they have community outreach programs to get kids running! Distances will be from 10km to 30km. If you are looking for carpooling options, feel free to post on the mailing list or on the Whatsapp group. Note we will start at 7.30am. Full info and register here: https://sway.office.com/Ml6Dyu5YLJ5RD4qL?ref=Link

Out of town runs

Our next big out of town run to plan ahead for is Diani! You don’t want to miss out on the discounted prices, so don’t wait, register here, the bus is filling up fast: https://forms.gle/Amxkto1ZZgQskpKa8

Don’t forget, we will also be taking part in the Nairobi Marathon Relay on Saturday 6th May, organised by Fitness With David, so if you want to be on a Swara team, look out for more info coming soon!

#Run2Gether2RunFar