Inspired by the successes of their daughters and sons on the international scene, a group of elderly women athletes from Iten, known as the Iten Queens Mother Run, want a piece of the pie. They have appealed to government and well-wishers for support to participate in local and international masters’ races.

Speaking at a training session in Iten, the team’s coach and runner Mary Chemwolo, 58, said the group consists of 30 members, with 20 actively participating in local races. 

Iten has in recent years attracted international long distance runners for high altitude training.

“We train hard in the hope that the ministry of sports will recognise our efforts and give us support so we can compete in international master’s races. Nowadays, there are many races for older athletes overseas and we would love to represent Kenya,” Chemwolo said. 

The team, which originates from Kessup in Elgeyo Marakwet County, has been participating in local races including Chepsaita, Tinderet Naiberi and the recent Iten Trail Run. 

However, despite their dedication, the athletes face many logistical and financial hurdles, the most critical being the lack of training facilities and essential equipment such as running shoes and tracksuits. 

“We do not have ideal training facilities or gear. We need shoes, track suits and other equipment to help us train better and compete effectively,” she added. 

The Queens Mother Run athletes have attended races in Nakuru and are set to travel to Nairobi for another racing event. However, their participation has largely been self-funded, making it difficult for them to consistently compete in many competitions. 

“We have participated in many races, but we have not been able to get a sponsor. We need financial support so that we can attend more races, including international events,” Chemwolo appealed. 

She noted that some of the members, including herself, have already acquired passports in preparation for international competitions. 

“Six of us have passports, and we hope to secure more so that we can participate in global events like the masters’ races in Florida,” she said. 

Chemwolo also urged the Elgeyo Marakwet County government to provide training camps and facilities to enhance their performance. 

“If the county can support us with training camps, we can leave our homes for a week and focus on training, just like other professional athletes do. Kamariny training camp would be an ideal place for us,” she said. 

Beyond competition, the Queens Mother Run has significantly improved the health of its members, reducing cases of lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. 

“Since we started running in 2010, many of us have seen improvements in our health. Exercising has helped control diabetes and blood pressure, and we now encourage more women to join us,” Chemwolo emphasised. 

Vashti Chirchir, another athlete and coach at the club, reiterated the need for proper running gear and a dedicated coach. 

“We need the right running kits, especially shoes. Right now, we reuse the same training kits that are not official running kits. A qualified coach would also help us improve our performance,” Chirchir said. 

She further urged the county government to partner with the team and recognise them as part of the running community in Elgeyo Marakwet. 

“Whenever there are running events, we want the county to acknowledge our participation as mother-run athletes and support us,” she added. 

The team secretary, Grace Sawe, highlighted the risks they face while training early in the morning.  We start training as early as 4:30am when it is still dark outside. Running along the road is dangerous because of traffic. If we could get reflector jackets, it would improve our safety,” Sawe appealed. 

Despite their challenges, the team has received some support in the past. Tirop’s Angels, an organisation based in Iten, sponsored them to participate in a Betika race in Kapsabet, where 24 members competed. Additionally, Kass FM has shown interest in helping the group. 

“If Kass FM can support us in getting to more races, we would be very appreciative,” Chemwolo noted. 

The athletes are now appealing to corporate sponsors such as KCB, Safaricom and other well-wishers to come on board and support their mission. 

“With sponsorship, we can achieve our dreams and represent Kenya in international master races,” Chemwolo concluded.

• A Tell Media  / KNA report / By Rennish Okong’o

Members of the Iten Mother Queen Run during a training session.