Where can one run or jog in Kenya?
As outdoor activities, both jogging and running are quite prevalent in Kenya. One can jog alone or in a group. Most lone running happens early in the morning within the housing estate precincts. This is mainly due to proximity and security considerations. But in the evening or during the day, the options are many. One can run on the road, the grounds in most sports clubs and gymkhanas, the leisure parks and forest reserves.
Lone runs
If you would like to run alone, then safety and security become major consideration. Some isolated roads have now and then become experienced incidences of runners being mugged. There chose carefully and be observant while out running. Some of the places you can run alone include:
Karura Forest:
Karura forest is secured with an electric fence. The sanctuary is managed by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and supported by Friends of Karura who have placed direction and distance signposts at the junctions of the running trails.
Ngong Hills:
Ngong Hills is a popular training ground for Kenya’s elite runners and for good reason. At the highest point, it rises to 2400masl which is good for altitude training.
The habited areas of Ngong are fairly secure to run during the day. But if you venture into the forest areas, it is advisable to seek armed escort. However the open fields near the gate and on the Kiserian side are quite safe.
Tigoni
In case you are seeking the high altitude training to boost blood count before a major event or when planning to hike a major mountain, then running in Tigoni could be an option. There are sufficient hills to work you cuffs and chest as undulating tea plantations will soothe you all the way.
Mwea plains
The rice plantations of Mwea are a good place to run especially when rice is ripe. The lush fields offer a tranquilising sensation while the aroma of ripe pishori rice wafts through you wide open nose
There also road runs location around mount Kenya in Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Nyeri and Nairobi Arboretum,
Group Runs
In case one wants to do long outdoor runs, the joining a running group is the best option. The organisers are familiar with suitable and interesting trails and road runs for training big running events or just for the thrill of running with other running enthusiasts. Running in a group is also a great way to network Different groups have different distance prevalences that range from 4km to 25km. The day of the week that a run is scheduled and the location may also be a consideration. Some running groups and locations may have membership running fee so it is important to enquire from them before turning up at the venue. Searching the internet for running clubs does not yield much, but at the marathon races, you are likely to find runners donning their running group wear.
Below is a list of some of the more conspicuous running groups
Urban Swaras
Runs: Saturdays 7:30 am
Distance: 15km and 25km
Fees: Membership Ksh 500 per month, guest runners Ksh 150 per run
Contact: http://urbanswaras.co.ke/about-us/contact/, www.urbanswaras.co.ke
Urban: Swaras
Venue: varies
Membership: Open
Contact: http://urbanswaras.co.ke, email: Lucy Thuo (lucywthuo@gmail.com).
Original Nairobi Hash House Harriers
Runs: Mondays
Fees:
Contact: www.facebook.com/nairobi.hashhouseharriers, https://onh3.wordpress.com/about
Sunday Nairobi Hash House Harriers
Runs: Sundays 4:00p.m
Distance: 8km and 15km for short and long run respectively
Joining: Anyone
Venue: Varies
Fees: Ksh 200 per run
Contact: sunnhhh@gmail.com
Chepkero Athletics Club
Runs: Everyday
Contact: www.time-to-run.com/kenya/chepkero/info.htm
Chepkero Athletics Club is located in Flax Centre, Chepkero, Uasin Gishu county, about 20 miles southeast of Eldoret.
Dagoretti Running Club.
We’ve got a membership fee
payable if you decide to train with us
Runs: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.mFee:
Venue: Telkom grounds, Ngong road.
Contact: +254 788 104 142,+254 716 584 402
Gigiri Running Group
Runs: Thursdays, 5:00 pm
Join: Open to all
Venue: Maggie’s Pub, Gigiri near UN Avenue/Limuru Road Junction
Fees: None
Contact: Maggies pub
GFK Running Club (Karura Running Club)
Venue: Karura KFEET
Runs: 1st Sunday of the month
Distance: 10km.
Cost: Ksh1000 (This includes a post-workout snack and entry fees to Karura).
Contact: getfit254@gmail.com
Tell: 0728-667870
Nairobi Hash House
Runs: Monday evening at 5:45pm
Venue: changes every week.
Distances: 6km for short run, 10km longer run.
Joining in: Ksh 200/= per run
Contact: nhhhscribe@gmail.com, website www.nhhh.co.ke
Karura Forest Runners
Runs: Thursday from 4:30pm
Meets: Karura KFEET Centre
Distance: 14km to 17km in
Venue: Karura Forest and the nearby Gigiri and Runda environs.
Fee: Ksh 200 (KFS recreation charges)
Contact: +254720765707
Mazoezi Jogging Group
Runs: 9 am
Meets: Windsor Golf and Country Club in Nairobi
Distance: 5k
Venue: Windsor Golf and Country Club in Nairobi
Fee: Ksh 200 (KFS recreation charges)
Contact: 020 8647701 http://www.windsorgolfresort.c…d=303&Itemid=283