Sep 02, 2025

Catherine the Great: Running Towards Peace in the Horn of Africa

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire; it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination. “– Nelson Mandela

The cheers of the crowd, the rhythmic pounding of feet on asphalt, the raw human drama of competition – these are the hallmarks of athletics. Yet, beyond the finish line, sports have consistently proven to be a powerful, often understated, force for social change. In the troubled landscape of the Horn of Africa, where historical grievances and resource scarcity often ignite conflict, the unifying potential of sports is more vital than ever. And at the forefront of this movement stands Catherine Ndereba, "Catherine the Great," a retired distance running legend, who is now poised to leverage her celebrity, her partnership with Enda Sportswear, and the universal appeal of running to weave a new narrative of peace and reconciliation. She was recently appointed to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Council of Eminent Personalities, a distinguished group including among others Paul Tergat of Kenya and Derartu Tulu of Ethiopia, tasked with bringing peace to warring communities and regions across the Horn of Africa.

“I am honored and happy with the appointment, and I am equal to the task,” says Ndereba, who also serves as Assistant Commissioner of Prisons in Kenya.

Ndereba’s appointment as a peace ambassador is not merely a ceremonial title; it is a strategic and timely recognition of her unique influence. As a four-time Boston Marathon winner, a two-time World Champion, and an Olympic medalist, Ndereba’s story is one of unwavering discipline, perseverance against odds, and the triumph of the human spirit. These are not just athletic virtues; they are the very bedrock upon which sustainable peace can be built. Her personal journey, from the dusty fields of Kenya to the global stage, resonates deeply with millions, making her an authentic and relatable messenger of hope.

The history of Eastern Africa itself provides a compelling precedent for Ndereba’s mission. Athletes like Tegla Loroupe and Paul Tergat have masterfully demonstrated how sports can bridge divides and foster understanding. Loroupe’s annual Peace Race in Kapenguria, Kenya, is a testament to this power, bringing together warriors from rival tribes – Pokot, Turkana, Marakwet – to compete on neutral ground. The profound effect has been a tangible reduction in tribal violence, with the race serving as a critical forum for peace talks and symbolic disarmament. Similarly, Paul Tergat, through his foundation and partnerships with organizations like UNEP, has used sports to promote the language of peace and youth empowerment.

“Sports brings together even warring communities and brings peace.”, Paul Tergat stated during an International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

Photo credits: Duncan M

Ethiopia’s iconic Haile Gebrselassie, while perhaps not directly organizing peace races, has significantly contributed to peace through massive investments in education and infrastructure, providing essential economic stability and opportunity – often the antidotes to conflict. Ndereba stands on the shoulders of these giants, ready to amplify and innovate on their successes.

Ndereba’s strategy for peace in the Horn of Africa can be broken down into three powerfully coalescing elements: her celebrity status, the Enda Sportswear brand, and the sport of running itself.

1. The Unifying Power of "Catherine the Great":

Ndereba’s celebrity status is her most immediate and potent tool. She commands respect and admiration across diverse communities, offering a platform that transcends political and ethnic lines. She can be the face of reconciliation, a living embodiment of the idea that individuals from different backgrounds can come together, compete honorably, and achieve greatness.

Peace Runs as Dialogical Arenas: Emulating Loroupe, Ndereba can initiate co-branded "Enda Peace Runs" in regions grappling with conflict. These aren't just races; they are carefully orchestrated events designed to create neutral spaces for interaction. Imagine young men and women from historically rival communities lacing up their Enda running shoes or T- Shirts, standing shoulder to shoulder at the starting line, driven by the common goal of reaching the finish. The shared experience of physical exertion, the encouragement from fellow runners, and the celebratory atmosphere at the end can break down deeply entrenched "us vs. them" mentalities. Each stride taken together is a step towards mutual understanding.
Mentorship and Storytelling for Hope: Ndereba’s personal narrative of triumph is a powerful antidote to the despair often found in conflict zones. She can personally mentor young athletes, particularly those from refugee camps or marginalized communities. By sharing her journey, she offers tangible proof that dedication and hard work can carve out a brighter future, an alternative to the cycles of violence and poverty. This mentorship, documented and disseminated through Enda’s platforms, will not only inspire but also provide a hopeful counter-narrative, illustrating how sports can transform individual lives and, by extension, entire communities.
A "Go!" Call to Action: Enda’s very name, "Go!" in Swahili, provides a resonant and active slogan for Ndereba’s mission. She can infuse this simple command with profound meaning, urging people to "Go!" and engage in dialogue, to "Go!" and build bridges, and to "Go!" and reject violence in favor of cooperation. This empowering message, displayed on apparel and chanted at events, transforms a brand slogan into a rallying cry for peace.

2. Enda Sportswear: A Brand with Purpose:

Ndereba’s partnership with Enda Sportswear elevates her peace initiatives beyond individual goodwill, providing a crucial framework for sustainability, reach, and tangible impact. Enda is not just a sponsor; it’s a mission-aligned partner whose values of ethical production and community development intrinsically align with peacebuilding.

"Peace Collection" for Sustainable Funding: Enda can launch a dedicated "Peace Collection" of running shoes and apparel. These products could feature unique designs incorporating symbols of peace, unity, or even specific motifs from the Horn of Africa. A significant portion of the proceeds from every sale would directly fund Ndereba’s peace-promoting programs – supporting peace races, youth mentorship initiatives, and community dialogues. This model creates a self-sustaining financial engine for her work, allowing global consumers to directly contribute to peacebuilding with every purchase.
Economic Empowerment as a Pillar of Peace: One of the most potent drivers of conflict is economic despair and lack of opportunity. Ndereba, in collaboration with Enda, can initiate programs focused on economic empowerment in vulnerable communities. This could involve vocational training in skills, potentially leading to establishing small-scale business enterprises. Equipping youth with job skills and entrepreneurship particularly for youth from rival communities, fosters shared economic interests, reduces idleness, and creates a sense of collective purpose, making violence less attractive. This goes beyond charity, offering dignified work and a path out of poverty, thereby addressing a root cause of conflict.
Authentic Storytelling and Global Reach: Enda’s brand narrative is deeply woven into the story of Kenyan running excellence. Ndereba’s peace ambassador role seamlessly integrates into this narrative, adding a powerful layer of social purpose that resonates with ethically conscious consumers globally. Enda's digital platforms – website, social media, blog – can become powerful storytelling channels, showcasing the impact of Ndereba’s work, featuring testimonials from participants, and sharing the human stories behind the peace initiatives. This not only reinforces Enda’s brand identity as a company with a conscience but also broadens the reach of Ndereba’s message, engaging a global audience in a local cause.

3. Running as the Universal Language of Unity:

The sport of running itself holds profound symbolic and practical power that can be harnessed for peace. It is accessible, requires minimal equipment, and its inherent values perfectly mirror the requirements for successful peacebuilding.

Egalitarianism and Shared Humanity: Running is inherently egalitarian. On the track or road, wealth, ethnicity, or social status melt away. Everyone is a runner, facing the same physical challenge. This creates a powerful sense of shared humanity. When individuals from conflicting backgrounds run together, they are no longer defined by their differences but by their common effort and shared goal. This simple act can begin to dismantle the dehumanization that often fuels conflict.
Discipline, Perseverance, and Goal Setting: Running teaches invaluable life lessons: discipline, perseverance, the ability to overcome pain and setbacks, and the importance of setting and achieving goals. These are precisely the qualities needed for long-term peacebuilding. Ndereba can frame peace not as an easy fix, but as a marathon – a continuous effort requiring dedication, resilience, and a clear vision for the finish line.
Physical and Mental Well-being: For individuals and communities affected by trauma, running offers a therapeutic outlet. It reduces stress, builds self-esteem, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Healthy minds and bodies are better equipped to engage in constructive dialogue and overcome the psychological scars of conflict.

In conclusion, Catherine Ndereba’s new role as a peace ambassador, amplified by her iconic status and the purposeful partnership with Enda Sportswear, represents a formidable force for positive change in the Horn of Africa. By strategically combining peace runs that foster dialogue, economic empowerment initiatives that address root causes of conflict, and a powerful narrative that inspires hope, she can build on the foundational work of past athletes. Ndereba’s mission is not just about crossing finish lines; it’s about breaking down barriers, building bridges, and running towards a future where peace is not just a dream, but a lived reality, one stride at a time.

The Horn of Africa, and indeed the world, watches with anticipation as Catherine the Great takes on her most important race yet.

Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu, Professor and Chair, Kinesiology and Health Science, Stephen F. Austin State University and serves as a consulting Director for Research at Enda Inc.