Habari za Wiki - 15 Dec, 2020

Timothy Cheruiyot earns state award

Photo Credit: Kenya State House

Every Jamhuri Day, orders, decorations, and medals are awarded in recognition of outstanding or distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.

On 12 December 2020, 1500m World Champion Timothy Cheruiyot was awarded his first state commendation. He was given the Order of Grand Warrior (OGW) by the President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Thank You Mr. President; I am honoured and greatly humbled,” said Cheruiyot.

Catherine Ndereba order of the Burning Spear

Photo Credit: Kenya State House

Retired athlete Catherine Ndereba was also recognised with the Moran of the Burning Spear, her third state commendation and one of the highest honors in Kenya. Ndereba was the first woman to run a marathon under 2 hours 19 mins when she won the 2001 Chicago Marathon in 2:18:47. 

Athletics Kenya is also set to fete legendary Kenyan athletes. Today, Athletics Kenya celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Olympic Games for Jepchirchir?

Valencia marathon and world half marathon champion believes she has what it takes to represent Kenya at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Deservedly so, Peres twice broke the half marathon world record, won the half marathon world title and won the Valencia Marathon. However, will Athletics Kenya consider her or will it be the case of her being a non-Nike athlete

Peres is sponsored by Adidas while Kenya is sponsored by Nike. Over the years, we have seen several Adidas athletes overlooked for when it comes to representing Kenya on national duties. Most notably Mary Keitany, who was left out from the 2016 Rio team despite being at the peak of her greatness. 

Paul Tergat Sees Potential in Kibiwott Kandie

Kenya Defence Force man Kibiwott Kandie is inspired by retired athlete Major Paul Tergat. Kandie would be pleased to know that he has already impressed Tergat. Tergat says Kenya has a gem in Kandie and that he is a talent that Kenya should take care of.  

Valencia Was Faaast, In Numbers

 

Valencia Marathon 2020 start line

Photo Credit: Valencia Marathon

Valencia Marathon and Half Marathon results confirmed that it was the ‘Great Race of 2020’. The races were fast producing a half marathon world record, the seventh best men's marathon time ever by Evan Chebet and fifth in the women's marathon category by Peres Jepchirchir. Valencia, now dubbed The City of Running, also delivered 11 national records from different countries and 77 professional personal bests. 61 athletes qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games and 10 of the 15 fastest times this year were run in Valencia.

Non-Kenya news

Memorial Run to Runner Killed in Ukraine

American Micala Siler was killed while running in Ukraine on September 30. Micala loved running. Her family and friends have set up a memorial run to remember her life. The Miles of Smiles for Micala run started on December 13 to 19 and is free to sign up for. The hope is that participants help reach the goal of 4,895 miles, the distance from Kyiv, Ukraine, to Olmsted Falls, Ohio, where her family is, as a way to remember Siler. (Interested participants can sign up here.)

Norman and Carlos Continue to Inspire

The bowed heads, the black gloves, the raised fists. It was a courageous stand taken by Tommie Smith and John Carlos that shook up the world. The protest happened at the men’s 200m medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, and the athletes continue to inspire people to this day. Yet despite being one of the most iconic sporting moments of the 20th century, the International Olympic Committee is still trying to ban athletes from protesting during the world's biggest sporting event. 

From Us At Enda

Engage is an organisation seeking to inform, inspire and influence society. The bi-monthly Engage event is a showcase of exciting individuals who are transforming society right where they are. 

We are proud of our very own Nava, who continues to tell our story of going beyond. You can watch her talk here, on the Engage youtube channel. 

Shipping Deadline

If you’re buying a gift for someone for the holidays, make sure to get your order in before the end of this week to ensure that we can get it delivered to you in time!

From the Enda Community

Every single time you share reactions to our shoes, our hearts sing. 

Here’s one from @runcations about the color, feel and packaging of the Rainbow Runners ((translated from Spanish):

“What a marvel of sneakers made in Kenya 🇰🇪 they are the most beautiful I've ever seen. And those handmade masks 👏🏻🤩 @endasportswear What a great job and what tremendous sneakers to enjoy every day. And they do not come in a box 👏🏻 they come in the Black Rainbow Runner bag 🌈 with what I like to wear colors 😁,”

 

PS Check out this feedback and love from @debscavator on Twitter! Can you give her a retweet and help some more people hear about what we're doing?