Kimutai Returns

Kenyan elite runner Lezan Kimutai confirmed for Connemara Half Marathon

On Sunday 6th April, almost 4,000 people from 40 countries ranging in age from 18 to 81 will be finding solitude, finding themselves and fulfilling personal ambitions as they take on the challenge of the Fáilte Ireland Connemara International Marathon. The annual event, set against the rugged beauty of Ireland's Connemara region, comprises of the popular half (13.1 mile), the traditional full (26.2 mile) and the gruelling ultra (39.3 mile) marathons. With a dramatic backdrop of mountains, glacier lakes, bogs and rugged green-brown landscape, there is a unique sense of comradeship on the challenging route.

For some however, this race means more than others. For Kenyan Lezan Kimutai, the Connemarathon is a chance to escape from a country plagued by ethnic unrest. Lezan, his wife and three children are currently in exile after their home was burned by a mob provoked by political unrest.

Lezan and his family are just a statistic among 600,000 people displaced from their homes in a country torn apart by political unrest. Over 1,000 people were killed following a disputed election at the end of December 2007, which brought president Mwai Kibaki back to power despite substantiated claims that the results were rigged. Of those who died, more than half hailed from the Rift Valley province, home to most of Kenya's top athletes because of its highest point of 1,500m above sea level. Like most of the athletes, Kimutai belongs to the Kalenjin tribe, many of whom supported the main opposition candidate. When the results were announced, groups of Kalenjins and other local tribes revolted against the Kikuyus - the group to which the president belonged.

The trip to Ireland and participation in the Fáilte Ireland International Marathon will provide Lezan with enough money to support his family for almost six months in Kenya. His friends from Dublin have already made a collection which will help to rebuild his home. Previous winnings, including the Dublin marathon, have allowed Lezan to build a school in his local village. But more than this, taking part in the half marathon gives Lezan the chance to do what he does best – run. The Kenyan previously won the Connemarathon half marathon in 2003 and 2005 and this year he has set himself a tougher challenge. His aim is to complete the half marathon in a record breaking time of just under one hour and seven minutes. Although this time falls short of the world record in this distance of 58 minutes the toughness of the course, which is more challenging than most urban courses, must be taken into consideration. Lezan is also the former record holder of the Dublin City Marathon completing the race in an impressive time of two hours and thirteen minutes.

Lezan's positive outlook on life is admirable and he thoroughly enjoys his visits to Connemara "I really like Irish music and dance so when I'm there I like to listen to it and join in," comments Lezan, who entertained locals when he joined in a traditional Siege of Ennis following his victory in the 2003 Connemara half marathon. "Athletes spend so much time in other countries that it is more enjoyable to try things from their culture too." To help Irish people learn a little more about his culture, Lezan will be hosting an ugali party on his arrival in Dublin, offering guests the chance to sample traditional Kenyan food cooked by Lezan himself.

Lezan's story is a moving account of family loyalty and personal ambition. When you witness Lezan's smiling face as he crosses the finishing line, you can't help but marvel at the power of the human spirit and what it can withstand and achieve.