Running, Family, Lessons, Loss, and Triumphs from 2025; a Year of Growth

Over time, I have come to learn that when you love anything—especially something as rewarding as running—it will definitely love you back in ways you might never expect. The sense of fulfillment, belonging, and personal growth that comes from dedicating yourself to a passion is truly immeasurable. In running, this love is reciprocated not just through physical benefits, but also through the friendships forged, the adventures experienced, and the lessons learned along the way.

The richest sportspeople in the world do not usually come from running. Yet, running is unique in that it touches so many lives worldwide. The largest number of sportspeople who benefit directly or indirectly from their sport are runners. Whether it’s through improved health, increased confidence, or a supportive community, the rewards of running extend far beyond medals or monetary gain.

Few other sports, if any, amass so many participants in their events like marathons do. Running events bring together people from all walks of life, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. Participants are given opportunities to travel around the world for different races, share experiences with other runners, and adopt an active lifestyle.

These experiences not only foster camaraderie but also help runners see the world, break personal barriers, and make lifelong memories.

Being part of the running family in any capacity—whether as a coach, runner, physiotherapist, journalist, or fan—truly makes you feel like you belong to one big, supportive family. The achievements and milestones of one member are celebrated by all, creating a shared sense of pride and inspiration. Over the past year, I’ve had the unique privilege of participating in running in each of these roles, which has deepened my appreciation for the sport and the people within it.

Reflecting on this journey, I am overwhelmed by the abundance of incredible moments and unforgettable experiences that have shaped my year. My passion for running has continued to reward me, not only through personal accomplishments but also through the countless friendships, opportunities, and life lessons it has brought my way. The sport has been a constant source of motivation, teaching me resilience, humility, and the value of perseverance.

Everything that happens to us, both the triumphs and the setbacks, shapes our future. Each experience, no matter how small, contributes to our growth and helps us become stronger, wiser individuals.

Witnessing great athletic moments in 2025

As an athletics fan, I had the privilege of witnessing some truly remarkable feats in the sport this year. The excitement was palpable at the Prévontaine Classic Diamond League meeting, where Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet delivered an unforgettable performance in the 5000m race. By clocking an astonishing 13:58.06, she shattered barriers to become the first female athlete ever to complete the distance in under 14 minutes—a milestone that will inspire generations to come.

Not to be outdone, Agnes Ngetich etched her name in the record books by breaking the women’s only 10K world record with a time of 29:27 at the Adidas Road to Records event in Germany.

These achievements were not isolated; throughout the season, fans were treated to a series of breathtaking performances across various disciplines, highlighting the unwavering determination and incredible talent within the athletics family.

Witnessing these historic moments served as a powerful reminder of the limitless potential that lies within each of us. The message to take home was clear: We can achieve anything we set our minds to, provided we dedicate ourselves with unwavering focus, relentless hard work, and steadfast discipline. These athletes exemplify what is possible when passion meets perseverance, and their stories continue to motivate and uplift everyone who follows the sport.

My running experiences in 2025

Personally, it has been more than 200 hours of running, over 2,200 kilometers covered in my training and over 3,000m of climbing in my runs. In all these, I have gotten to make new friends, share fun moments, and learn a lot about life through running, besides the obvious: maintaining good health and making a positive impact in the world.

Even though it wasn’t what I had set out to do, I am glad to have registered a marathon finish this year. I helped pace my wife, who also hadn’t had the opportunity to prepare well for the Nairobi City Marathon, but the important thing was that we made it to the finish line together. Finishing a marathon is an achievement in itself.

A few days before my goal race, the 2025 Philadelphia Marathon, life took an unexpected turn. I lost my brother, an event that shook me to my core and put everything else into perspective. In that moment, my priorities shifted instantly, and I knew I had to cancel all my race plans to be with my family and support them through our shared grief.

While it was a difficult and painful time, it also reminded me of the importance of cherishing loved ones and being present when it matters most. The running family offered an outpouring of support, and I was reminded once again of the deep connections and compassion that bind us together, both on and off the track.

The Philadelphia Marathon race organiser offered me a free race deferral, for which I am so grateful.

A successful year for my online coaching clients

Despite the personal loss, there were still many bright spots throughout the year, especially in my role as a coach. It was a gratifying season for my runners, as I witnessed several of my online coaching clients not only meet their running goals but also set new personal bests. Their determination and resilience in pursuing their ambitions deeply inspired me.

At the Nairobi City Marathon, just a few minutes behind my wife and me, my client, Herbert Rwamibazi of Uganda, set a lifetime personal best—a testament to his dedication and hard work. Moments like these are what make coaching truly meaningful.

The year also brought extraordinary accomplishments for my other clients. About two months after Nairobi, a couple from Macau completed their Abbott World Marathon Majors’ 7-star mission at the Sydney Marathon.

With this achievement, they joined a select group of runners who have conquered all the major marathons in the world: Berlin, New York City, London, Tokyo, Chicago, Boston, and the newly added Sydney Marathon. Their journey demonstrates the incredible heights that can be reached with perseverance and teamwork.

Adding to the list of successes, another one of my runners, Javier Guerrero from San Salvador, set a personal best at the New York City Marathon on 2nd November. Witnessing the progress and triumphs of my athletes—each with their unique stories and challenges—filled me with immense pride and gratitude.

Reflecting on the year, I am profoundly thankful for the people I have connected with through running. Every relationship, every shared experience, and every finish line crossed together has enriched my life.

As I look ahead to 2026, I hope to expand my circle further—to coach more athletes, share more experiences, and continue building lasting friendships within this incredible family of runners.

Happy New Year from the Kenyan Athlete!