Newly Launched Heart Lake Run Excites Kenyan Athletes Abroad
3rd October 2018
The race to start with a 3Km contest before upgrading to long distances next year
- Kenyan athletes based abroad have welcomed the newly launched Heart Lake Run in Brampton, Canada, saying the race will inspire many to embrace the sport with seriousness
- Jane Murage who finished second at the Victoria Times-Colonist Garden City 10K this year is already upping her exercises in Kenya ahead of overseas contests
- Peel Regional Councillor, Michael Palleschi who graced the race website launch last Friday has expressed his total support for the competition Kenyan Export, Trade, Investment, Tourism and Hospitality sectors can leverage on the race to gain entry into North America where there is always very stiff competition from local corporations
ONTARIO,Canada- Kenyan athletes based abroad have welcomed the newly launched Heart Lake Run in Brampton, Canada, saying the race will inspire many to embrace the sport with seriousness.
One of the already motivated people for the event is the Vancouver 2018 BMO Half Marathon runners-up, Jane Murage, who shuttles her training between the rugged terrains of Ngong Hills in Kenya and the panoramic scenery of Ontario, Canada.
“This is a great initiative. I cannot wait to be involved. I know Ethiopians are eyeing glory in this competition so my advice to fellow Kenyan runners is that they should practice hard,” underlined Murage.
Murage, who finished second at the Victoria Times-Colonist Garden City 10K this year, is already upping her exercises in Kenya ahead of the overseas contests.
“I’m looking forward to taking part in several races in Canada, one of them being the Heart Lake Run. I believe this determination will eventually pay off,” she highlighted.
Grace Kahura, who finished 14th overall in the 2018 Boulder International Challenge USA, echoed Murage’s sentiments.
“The Heart Lake Run has exciting prizes which are bound to attract many Kenyans. Personally, I can’t wait to register for the 10km category.
“Taking part in this noble initiative will raise the Kenyan flag high at the same time put our country on the global map,” emphasized Kahura who is based in Colorado.
Peel Regional Councillor, Michael Palleschi, who graced the race website launch last Friday, expressed his total support for the competition.
“I would like to welcome this race that will be held in my ward. We will engage our community and partners to create awareness on this exciting enterprise.
“We will use the chance to focus on three areas to strengthen our neighborhood, namely Zero Hunger, Environment Conservation and Climate Change,” Palleschi accentuated.
Kenya Women in Canada Association (KWICA) President, Pauline Mwangi, believes the event would help promote local brands abroad.
Women participants
“Our athletes will gain exposure. They are bound to sign long-term contracts with international firms to sustain their career.
“We strongly encourage women participants to register in large numbers,”Mwangi heightened.
The Canada Africa Marketing and Development Agency (CAMDA) Chief Executive Officer explained that there are plans to collaborate with the Kenya High Commission in Ottawa, Athletics Kenya and all the 47 Kenyan counties to assist local athletes to take part in the high profile challenge.
The event will start with a 3Km walk-a-thon which involves walking, jogging and running, and is slated for June 8, 2019.
“It will be a charity event in support of United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which are in line with Brampton 2040 Vision Strategic Plan and Peel 2041 Official Plan,” explained Palleschi.
“We are working closely with Environment and Economic Development Departments at Brampton City Hall to make the Walkathon a success. We plan to upgrade to 10Km and other long distance categories thereafter,” reiterated Mwangi.
“Kenyan Export, Trade, Investment, Tourism and Hospitality sectors should leverage on this race to gain entry into North America where there is always very stiff competition from local corporations,” Mwangi added.