Nairobi Run for Sight

The last weekend of October was a busy but exciting time for us. Along with the Halloween festivities on Friday, we also had the Nairobi Marathon. On Saturday, we loaded up the Tenwek Eye bus and the McCropder van (lovingly called the “Jolly Green Giant”). Over 20 people signed up to run, including many of the eye unit staff. As we mentioned previously, all the proceeds from the race (which included a marathon, 10 K, and Family Fun Run) support pediatric eye surgeries at various eye centers throughout Kenya, including Tenwek.

Three and a half hours later we arrived safely in Nairobi, where the girls proceeded to do some marathon grocery shopping! We then got up bright and early Sunday morning to have breakfast- our only option…two dozen donuts and cinnamon rolls. Not exactly a power breakfast, but you just have to make do with what you have.

Getting to the marathon and finding a place to park was an adventure in itself, as you can tell by the picture. Jason Fader did a fine job of driving with John Cropsey navigating.

We were all impressed by how well attended and well organized the race was. This is us at the starting line of the 10K. It was so exhilarating to see part of the marathon race and witness some amazing Kenyan runners.

The girls stayed together and encouraged each other into running the whole 10K. Even First Lady Michelle Obama cheered us on.

Can you find Bryan and John in this picture (Hint: Bryan has his arms up and John is in red)?

We found the guys cheering us on at the finish line. Here we are…tired but happy. From left: Bryan, Toanh, John, Jessica, Meredith, Jason, Jason, Heather, and Todd.

Once we got cleaned up and had lunch, we loaded the kiddos up and headed back to Tenwek. We feel so blessed for the opportunity to participate with friends in such a fun philanthropic event. Over 15,000 people participated in the marathon. According to the Cropseys, the final numbers aren't in yet, but Standard Charter Bank who sponsored the event has already committed to fund 150 pediatric surgeries at Tenwek for next year.