Edwards offers Kenya marathon chance

Aberdeen middle distance runner Myles Edwards hopes more north and north-east runners will join him in Kenya next year for the Rift Valley marathon which takes place in March.

Edwards, who is cofounder of the Gathimba Edwards Foundation, a charity which supports disadvantaged children at the Pavilion Village in the Kenyan town of Karatina, says the trip will not only provide runners with the opportunity to experience a special race, but they will also be able to help local youngsters.

Edwards set up the charity with leading 1,500metres runner Gideon Gathimba who he first met when the Kenyan athlete won the international mile race at the opening of Aberdeen Sports Village in 2009.

They became friends and Edwards, the Scottish 800m championship bronze medallist in 2013, has since made five trips to Kenya for training.

Edwards says that those making the trip to the Rift Valley marathon will not only enjoy the race, but will see for themselves how the work of the foundation is having a positive impact.

He said: “The group will visit the children at the Pavilion Village and they’ll stay in family homes.

“Some will stay with Gideon and other family members who we know.

“This is much better than living in hotels as they’ll get the chance to experience Kenyan culture.

“They’ll also get the opportunity to go on safari and to see some of rural Kenya.

“After a few days we’ll travel to Iten and to Moso-riot where the race will be held. The race is organised by a friend of mine, John Carson, who is involved with the Run for Life charity.

“It ’ s not a typical marathon. It’s really in the middle of nowhere and its not structured the way our marathons might be.

“It’s all held on dirt roads and trails, and there’s little of it on tarmac so it will be different.

“A number of people have already signed up to go, but we still have places available, but anyone keen on doing it will have to confirm by November 17.”

Edwards is also planning to travel to Kenya next month to combine a few weeks of hard winter training with some charity work.

Edwards can be contacted at myles@gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org.