Boosted by a personal best run in the half marathon at the recent Nairobi City Marathon, Joe Sang is pumped up ahead of the big challenge that comes up next month.
The Kenya Pipeline Company managing director clocked one hour, 32 minutes and 44 seconds, a performance that motivates him ahead of the October 13 Chicago Marathon.
Sang has taken a deep dive into the World Marathon Majors race— where the late Kenyan star Kelvin Kiptum shattered the world marathon record last year, running a phenomenal time of two hours and 35 seconds – to raise funds for charity.
Through the ‘Joe Sang Foundation,’ the Kenya Pipeline boss is seeking to raise over Sh200 million to benefit needy children by affording them a chance at education over the next few years.
His training partner John Terer, a car sales man, clocked 1:32:46, finishing just a stride behind Sang and will be joining the MD at the Chicago Marathon where Kenya’s elite list includes World Championships medallists Amos Kipruto and Ruth Chepng’etich.
“For me this (Nairobi City Marathon) was a test. I wanted to test my muscles and generally test myself, and by running a personal best time, I’m sure that I’m ready,” Sang reflected on his performance.
“I’m running the Chicago Marathon for impact. To transform a life, and to help that needy children way back in the villages whose parents don’t have the means to pay their school fees.
“Under the Joe Sang Foundation that we are setting up, we will be able to help the underprivileged to go to school.”
Sang endured a four-year court process following allegations of financial impropriety at the Kenya Pipeline Company but was found not to be guilty.
“After the four-year court process, I was vindicated and during my time out, I would meet and interact with the tea pluckers and their children and their plight touched me… so when I resumed my duties last year, I felt I needed to support these boys and girls who have the potential but lack fees.
“My friends challenged me and that’s when I decided to run the Chicago Marathon. I will be running, not as managing director, but as an individual to create an impact on society.”
The Joe Sang Foundation plans to come up with an endowment fund to help educate needy children.
“This will go into perpetuity. It will outlive me, outlive all of us and in future, I’d like people to say ‘There lived a man who created the Joe Sang Foundation that has educated children.’
“This dream will be a reality and that’s why I’m appealing for support and contributions – we will publish the details of the pay bill number and bank account soon. We already have a lot of support from people in Kenya and abroad, who are ready to support our foundation.”
Sang’s journey has also been the motivation behind his run, having come from humble beginnings, running barefoot to school in Kabianga, Kericho County.
Besides Kipruto and Chepng’etich, other elite Kenyans in Chicago include Vincent Ng’etich, John Korir and Daniel Simiu Ebenyo who will be making a marathon debut.
Others are Joyciline Jepkosgei, Irene Cheptai, Dorcas Tuitoek, Mary Ngugi-Cooper and Stacey Ndiwa.
