My journey to tell the story of how World Champion Kenyan marathon runner Catherine Ndereba has inspired many through her running and how her faith has guided her. This story will explore the many ways she stands as a role model for Kenyan women and girls and how she inspires others to pursue their education and dreams and not be bound by the traditional role women have been bound to in Kenya. Check back often as I'm sure the scope of this will change and evolve through time.
Showing posts with label Constantina Dita. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Constantina Dita. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
CATHERINE'S FALL MARATHON ANNOUNCED!!!!!!
People have been asking me for quite some time now if Catherine will be running a fall marathon and if so, where will she run. I can now officially announce that she will participate in the Yokohama Marathon on Sunday November 15, 2009. Catherine has a great following in Japan, has always been successful and she enjoys running there. She will be running against her friend and competitor Constantina Dita who took the gold medal to Catherine's silver in last year's Beijing Olympics. I only wish my budget would allow me to be there to watch but I will have to find a way to view online. If I find a link, I will certainly post it!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A Norristown Sweep!

It was a great day today for the Kenyans who train in Norristown, PA under the management of Lisa Buster of Promotion in Motion Ltd International as they swept the top three places in the women's race and the 2nd place in the men's race at the ING Philadelphia Distance Run. Catherine won the race for her 7th time (the first since 2002) with a time of 1:09:43 and she was in great form. Close behind her was Irene Limika in 2nd place right on Catherine's heels at 1:09:46. Coming in thrid was Nerriah Asiba at 1:10:26 who also ran strong. (Both Irene and Nerriah had personal bests) On the men's side, American Ryan Hall took 1st place (1:01:52) with Catherine's brother, Samuel Ndereba right behind placing 2nd (1:01:56). Lisa had 5 runners entered in the race today and 4 of them were on the podium; Caroline Chepkorir was 11th on the women's side.
The weather could not have been ordered to be more perfect; it started off a bit cool but the sun was warm and there was no wind. It was an amazing day to be outside and this race throughout Philadelphia is a gorgeous course. It starts on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway near the Philadelphia Art Museum (where Rocky ran up the steps). They even had a Rocky impersonator out today who was a lot of fun! The course then winds around some city streets before returning to the Parkway and heading down the West River Drive which runs along the Schuylkill River, then across a bridge and back down Kelly drive on the other side of the river and ends up back in front of the art museum again. I rode in the back of the ladies press truck again this year (which consisted of a pick up truck with 4 pop up camping-type chairs in the bed); it was fun and I was able to get some footage of Catherine and the others.
It was a bit of a challenge however because there were two men who were running with the lead pack of women and they kept blocking my shots! I was very happy when the women finally moved past them! For most of the second half of the race it was Irene and Catherine jockeying for first. The press truck took off at about mile 10 so we could make it to the finish line before the runners so I did not get to see how the end played out until the finish but since the times were so close I can picture how it went. Catherine is just too hard to beat in a kick at the end and she finally made her move, although I'm not sure at what point that actually was! It was very exciting to watch though!

It was a bit of a challenge however because there were two men who were running with the lead pack of women and they kept blocking my shots! I was very happy when the women finally moved past them! For most of the second half of the race it was Irene and Catherine jockeying for first. The press truck took off at about mile 10 so we could make it to the finish line before the runners so I did not get to see how the end played out until the finish but since the times were so close I can picture how it went. Catherine is just too hard to beat in a kick at the end and she finally made her move, although I'm not sure at what point that actually was! It was very exciting to watch though! 
The awards ceremony was nice and the trophies this year were especially nice with the Liberty Bell prominent
.
Each of the winners received a beautiful lei made from fresh flowers and as is usual for Catherine, before she boarded the bus back to the hotel she walked over to a little girl sitting on the curb watching the race with her family, bent down and placed the flowers around the little girl's neck. It always warms my heart how much she is drawn towards children!
L to R: Catherine Ndereba, Ryan Hall & Samuel Ndereba
Catherine Ndereba (r) and manager Lisa Buster (l)
.
Labels:
Africa,
Catherine Ndereba,
children,
competition,
Constantina Dita,
Distance,
Half Marathon,
inspiration,
Jesus,
Kenya,
Limika,
Philadelphia,
run,
Ryan Hall,
Wincatherine,
winner,
women
Saturday, September 19, 2009
2009 ING Philadelphia Distance Run-Watch it live
You're supposed to be able to watch the 2009 ING Philadelphia Distance Run live here on Sunday 9/20/09 at 7:30am www.competitor.com
according to this site:
http://www.runwashington.com/news/1972/314/Watch-Live-Webcast-of-the-ING-Philadelphia-Distance-Run-on-Sunday-at-7-35-am-See-Ryan-Hall-Olympic-Medalists-Constantina-Dita-and-Catherine-Ndereba.htm
according to this site:
http://www.runwashington.com/news/1972/314/Watch-Live-Webcast-of-the-ING-Philadelphia-Distance-Run-on-Sunday-at-7-35-am-See-Ryan-Hall-Olympic-Medalists-Constantina-Dita-and-Catherine-Ndereba.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)