47-year old athlete reveals why she enrolled for Re-Discover Nandi Road Race
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 11.09.24. | 20:35
Despite being her first-ever race, Kablui finished the 10 kilometers race, which humbled many youthful athletes, in 50:48.06
Contesting for the prize money and perhaps adding a title to their names might have inspired many athletes to line up for the for the 2024 Mozzart Bet Re-discover Nandi Road Race.
The race, held slightly over a week ago in Kapsabet, attracted tens of athletes with Faith Chepchirchir and Titus Kiprotich emerging winners.
The duo pocketed Kshs. 100,000 each with the rest of podium finishers as well as those who finished inside the top-ten bracket securing cash awards.
Some of the participants, admitted that they registered to test their readiness for bigger races while others, were motivated by the prize money offered courtesy of the leading gaming firm.
However, the story was different for the 47-year old Tecla Kablui who confronted the hilly course in a bid to fulfill her wish of granting her three children a place to call home.
Despite being her first-ever race, Kablui finished the 10 kilometers race, which humbled many youthful athletes, in 50:48.06.
She finished 26th just behind veteran athlete Leonida Opiyo who is not new to athletics as she is a regular figure in various masters programs.
Kablui, a single mother, revealed that living as a squatter at Kiptuya near Kapsasur Forest compelled her to make a belated entry into athletics which she is banking on to buy a piece of land.
"I came here to start the process of changing my story and that of my kids. We do have a place to call home and it pains me a lot to be called a squatter and living in the fear of being evicted anytime. I hope to raise money through the masters races and drag my family out of poverty," she said.
Besides that, Kablui, who sells groceries and doubles up as a shoe cobbler intends to raise school fees for her child through running.
Kablui, who was born in Nandi Hills, disclosed that her eldest child was in secondary school while the rest were at Tuyabei Junior School.
"It pains me to see them get chased from school due to fee balance. My prayer is to see them through school without hiccups," she opened up.
Running is not the sole hope for Kablui as she hopes to expand her groceries business and venture into transport business.
" I am very good at riding bicycles. If I can get one, I am sure I'll gain profit by transporting groceries for fellow businesswomen," she added.
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