By Douglas Maina, Special Correspondent, in Chicago
For Joe Sang, every kilometre in any marathon holds great weight and responsibility.
With every step he makes, he feels like he is inching closer to fulfilling his dream of empowering children from disadvantaged backgrounds in his rural Kenya.
Every year Joe, an avid marathoner and astute golfer, swaps his suit with a tracksuit and takes on the most challenging marathon courses.
Through his Joe Sang Foundation, he seeks to raise funds to educate and provide basic necessities for hundreds of school going children who come from poor backgrounds.
Joe, who is also the Managing Director of Kenya Pipeline Company, is on a personal quest to change young lives, one at a time.
In his calendar, World Athletics Platinum labeled Chicago Marathon was next in his quest.
With the help of his training partner Joe Terer, this philanthropic recreational runner put in hours of training and exercise.
As he set off for the start line, he was poised for another finish, and optimistic in setting a good time.
The weather in Chicago was perfect, slow winds of between 4-14 mph and low temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius.
As more than 50,000 athletes took to the Chicago course, Joe felt like he carried the future of hundreds of kids on his shoulders.
As he turned the first corner and crossed over the Chicago River, his determination and his drive to succeed kicked in and a refreshed Joe pushed on.
His training partner John Terer ran by his side, echoing his steps and they cruised through the streets of the windy city armed with a steady resolve to reach the last mile.
The two men were clearly on a mission and it is as if the thousands of spectators knew that, because they cheered them on, louder with each step.
At the halfway mark, a little fatigue set in, but the determination kept winning, and the feet kept moving.
As he crossed the bridge once again onto State Ave, Joe remembered that with every mile he ran, he could improve the life of a child who currently has no hope. Growing up, Joe faced hardship and he now feels compelled to improve the life of others.
These are the thoughts that fueled the athlete as he crossed the finish line in 3:07:21.
Speaking after race, Joe could not mask his excitement: “We have done it! The weather was great and although I struggled a bit at mile 26, I did not give up. I knew I had to keep going.
“A lot of people promised to support our cause through the foundation. They said if I complete this run, they will support our programmes. I have done my part. I cannot be happier.”
As the curtains close on the 46th Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Joe Sang and his team of volunteers shift gears in their continued charity work.
As they plan for the next event, they continue to call on people of goodwill to support this worthy cause. Join the movement. And just like Joe, purpose to change a life, a step at a time.
For more information on how to be involved, please visit www.joesangfoundation.org
Mr. Sang’ the CEO of the foundation holds a Master of Business Administration in Strategy, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA K).
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