kenyakidz|The kenyan family website

Nairobi’s biking and running races in the forest

Saturday will be a day of family and biking races through the Karura Forest, on the west side of Nairobi, as the Porini Trail Run Series comes to the forest as a fundraiser to build bandas for the rangers across the 1041.3ha natural zone, Nairobi’s largest and the city’s biggest air cleaner.

Organized by Wildflower, an event company that organizes sports events, the Porini Trail is a series of monthly runs across the country, in forests, mountains, hills, parks and game reserves, including the X-trail Sprint Triathlon on 14th February and Porini X-trail Run in Longonot on 28th March.

The Karura Trail run this Saturday 30th January is raising funds ‘supporting the conservation in Karura forest.’ Last year, Mrs. Charity Munyasia, the head of conservancy, secured funds to erect a perimeter fence and this year, Wildflower is working closely with her and the Kenya Forest Services to help erect Bandas for the Karura Forest rangers so as to secure the perimeter of this vital resource.

Besides being a tourist attraction because of its unique trees, and providing nature trails for residents to jog, cycle or stroll, the forest helps stabilize the temperature in Nairobi, as well as attracts rainfall. It also keeps the city air cleaner, as a natural carbon dioxide sink, with the trees absorbing most of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. There are additionally three rivers that pass through the forest - Ruaka, Karura and Gitathuru - providing water to many Nairobians, as well as a12ft waterfall within the forest that doesn’t dry because it is protected by the forest.

The forest is of cultural importance too, as within it are ancient caves, where the Mau Mau fighters used to hide during the colonial era. The Mau Mau was a movement among the Gikuyu community, formed in the 1950s to fight against British rule and European settlers. The caves are now used by churches and other people for fasting and praying.

The forest is also good for bird watching, and home to animals including antelopes and monkeys. Near the caves stands a huge tree - Craibea brownii - commonly known as ‘father of trees’ as it is the oldest in the forest, estimated to be two centuries old.

Vincent Ochieng, the race director, says the event marks the first held in a nature zone near Nairobi. Previously, the company has organized events in places such as Longonot, Lukenya and Malindi.
The Karura events will include a10km family fun bike race, and a 5km family fun run, while the main event will include a10km Kids Bike Challenge, 21km and 10km running events, a half marathon and a 30km MTB criterium.

With the starting and finishing point at Shell and BP Club near the Canadian Embassy, the course includes concentric 10km and 5km, earth trail loops around the Karura forest, the half marathon and 30km bike race. The half marathon will be two loops around this circuit while the 30k bike event will include spectator-friendly criterium around the same loop.

The bike races will kick off at 8.00am while the run races will start at 9am.Registration for the events will be open till early morning on the day of the event. There is no age limit for the cycling events, but for the running events, kids must be 8years and above fro the 5km run, and over 15 for the 21km run.

Aid Stations, manned by event staff from a local school and Kenya forest service rangers will be positioned every 3km of the 10km loop to provide water and refreshments.

The registration fee is Sh1000 per adult for family fun events and Sh1500 for other events; and Sh500 per child for the Family Fun events and Sh1000 for other events. The registration fee includes race souvenir T-shirts, finisher's certificate and other sponsors gifts. Vehicles parked at the Shell and BP club will be charged Sh100.

Registration for the event can be done through This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,and registration fee paid through M Pesa Account 0721-352-591 or Zap Account 0731-352-591.For more details, contact Vincent Ochieng’ on 0723 712473.