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82-Year-Old Runner Proves Age is Just a Number
13 Jun
Summary
- An 82-year-old woman joins a running group for seniors in Kenya.
- The group consists of 80 members aged between 60 and 100.
- Participants overcome age, distance, and disability to run.
An inspiring group of older adults in Meru County, Kenya, is challenging perceptions about aging and athleticism. Wanjiru Kamau, at 82 years old, is among the 80 members of the Meru chapter of Masters Athletics Kenya. This group, founded in 2015, brings together athletes aged 60 to 100 who train three times a week.
Members, many of whom are not employed and self-fund their travel, journey up to 50 kilometers for training. Despite facing challenges like age and visual impairment, individuals like James Mworia, who won silver medals in an African Masters Athletics competition in 2019, and Protasio Mutuma Lichoro, who trains with a sighted guide, exemplify the group's spirit.
The Meru chapter's founder, Stephen Michubu Linguya, initiated the group to combat sedentary lifestyles and chronic illnesses prevalent among the elderly. Elias Murega, Meru County's executive committee member for sports, acknowledges the group's impact, seeing them as models of sustained physical activity and discipline.
The county government has pledged to support the group by creating platforms for public demonstration of their achievements. This recognition offers validation to athletes who have largely operated outside official sports structures, inspiring younger generations and older adults alike to embrace regular exercise for health and well-being.
