Kenya: Land of the sensational athletes.

Kenya, well known for its athletes, has been quite a show case for our visit.

2007 is the year for the PAN African Champs, world youth champs, and the IAAF World champs in Osaka. And during our visit, Kenya has held its national championships doubling as trials for all these events.

These have included National school champs. I don't think there would be a handful of Australian or Kiwi athletes that could have placed in any of the results.

The National Champs, held over three days, ended on the Sunday as we came back from Mombassa. Entering Nairobi, we passed the National stadium, and a big crowd was leaving. The 10,000 meters was run over two heats, with 56 entrants! A swag ran under 28 minutes. I would have enjoyed having seen the 3,000 meters steeplechase - probably the world's toughest race.

Another big event to be held is the Safaricom Lewa Sanctuary Wildlife Marathon but while we are in Uganda - a shame as there is also a half marathon. The Daily Nation calls this one of the world's toughest marathons, run over tough terrain in a wildlife park. Helicopters act as spotters for wild animals.

Entrants include three times Boston winner, Robert Cheruiyot, 2007 London winner Martin Lel, 2007 Rotterdam champ, Joshua Chelanga, and Paul Terget, current world marathon record holder. A tidy little field.

The event was won by Kuala Lumper marathon record holder, Cyprian Kiogora, in an event record. He is part of the Paul Terget training camp, and considered a real up-and-comer.

Much billboard advertising in Kenya plays on their athletic prowess. But in Nairobi, there is one very large photo billboard taking up the whole side of a building, advertising nothing per se, except the athletic glory. It is a photo of Paul Terget, at 2003 Berlin Marathon, where he set the world record. Each morning when running in Nairobi, as I pass it nearly back at our hotel, I give a wee salute. Just an acknowledgement. Just respect.

When running here, I am sure I can read the expressions on the faces of passer-by pedestrians. I know that they are thinking 'why waste your time little, slow, fat, white boy'. But they are way too polite, and just smile.

All the ability here puts anything I have done well into its place. But I realise its probably just people without a future that dwell upon their past achievements.

So, I look forward. What's next, What else?

Max
aka Mad.