Let’s wrap up the year, shall we? Well, im wrapping up mine and leave you crazies to do whatever you want. But first, how did I get here? Just two years ago I wouldn’t imagine doing a run longer than 10k unless it is October and I needed that yearly Stan-chart Half Marathon medal. At the time, I only ran for health, fitness and an active body. So let me ask you guys, why the hell would I run 100 kilometers then?? You can’t convince me that I did it for health purposes?? Can you??
It started when I finished last year, 2024 on a high fitness note. I had had such a good year, learning and unlearning so much about the body, its composition, health and fitness in general. I started 2024 with 95kgs of body weight and finished it with 80kgs. It was my biggest achievement for the year.
It was then that I made a decision to try for more, push more, do more and see what the body is capable of. The fitness community had exposed me to so much I didn’t know existed. Things like Day Dashing and Ultra Running. I decided to try both.
By the end of 2024, I had already dipped my toe in Ultra running having done a longest distance of 57km. I also attempted Day dashing, but that is another level of madness. To be fair, the idea of ultra-running was openly embraced by my mind and body. I liked the comfort of having a whole day to run, walk and eat. This influenced my major fitness goals for 2025. I would run an official full marathon (42.2km) and I would run 100 kilometers. I wasn’t afraid of the full marathon as I was of the 100k. And this is why #roadto100k was born. The journey started.
Within this year 2025, I did several specific runs with a vision of preparing for 100k. Each had their own challenges and wins.
- Intertown Running Group – Nairobi to Thika (31st March)
This was really to test my marathon time. It was 42.4km. It was smooth, gentle and I loved the outcome.
- Intertown Running Group – Nairobi to Isinya (18th April)
This was 70km. My first real training for a 100km. Up to today it is one of my most loved runs. I improved my longest distance from 57km to 70km. I got a tone of blisters and couldn’t properly walk for days, but my mental mileage was pushed and now I wasn’t afraid of an over 50km run.
- URK X Ubuntu – Circum Kilimambogo + Summit (24th May)
This was another highlight of the year. 56km with 1100m elevation gain. I dealt more with elevation endurance, especially since you climb the mountain towards the end of the course. I loved the outcome.
- Nairobi city marathon (6th July)
This was my chosen official marathon. It definitely kicked my butt. But I did it. And I have the medal. LOL. We shall try again another time.
- Intertown Running Group – Nairobi to Limuru (3rd Aug)
This was for elevation and altitude endurance. It kicked my butt abit towards the homestreatch but I finished in one piece.
- URK Backyard Ultra (4th Oct)
I thought I could register my first 100km in this one. I however forgot to pack my torch and that trail had too much dogs for my liking. LOL. I had also not been active so much at this time. Life had somehow happened. I managed 10 loops (67km) of which only 3 loops were “legal”. I was happy with how my body forgave me for being inactive. We shall try again next year.
- URK 24 hr Track Wellness Challenge (15th Nov)
I hadn’t planned for this. It was an impromptu decision to go and just see how far I can go. To be fair I was so fixated on the upcoming URK All Bypasses Ultra that I didn’t want to push myself too much and risk not attempting the all bypasses run. I managed 66km. I exited the track with the first drop of rain. My eyes were on the prize.
- Mt Kenya Day Dash attempt (22nd Nov)
An impromptu one. I got hit by altitude a good one. When I heal, I will write about this one. As of now I’m still mad at that mountain.
**********************************************************
URK All Bypasses Ultra – 7th Dec
Then, it was time for the prize. Do or die. I literally had no other opportunity to do a 100k this year apart from the All Bypasses Ultra.
How I Prepared
Mentally – I told my mind we are going to do this and we have no reason not to.
Physically – I counted on all the runs I have had all year, even though my second half of the year was not as productive as the first, I trusted muscle memory and mental strength.
Emotionally/ Socially – My friends and fitness circle new of this attempt. My mother knew of it. I posted on socials to keep myself accountable. I looked for a fan base and promised to deliver. I owed it to Ubuntu, (especially Ubuntu baddies) at the very least
Support – I counted on the support stations at every 10km and other volunteers. I carried a few essentials in a running vest. My coach (TracKtion by Fred) would be on my side from km zero to one hundred.
The D.Day
3.55am at Outvest Lounge, Membley. Sherehe baddies were still in their element. Not judging, I do that once or twice a year. LOL.
4.13am. The legs started hitting the ground. I was relaxed and didn’t think of the whole thing. I had trained my mind to run in blocks. The first block was Membly – Ruaka.
The Nothern bypass didn’t give me trouble. Its home, I know it. I know where the hills are and where the descents are. It felt like I’m on my normal morning run. It was just dawning as we approached 20km (Ruaka). I felt great as if I am just starting.
The next block was Ruaka – Ndenderu, approximately 5km. At this point familiarity was beginning to fade and I was working with my memory from last year’s run. Good thing the body was still fresh and the spirits high, one kilometer at a time.
At 25km(Ndenderu), we joined the Western Bypass. The next block was Ndenderu – Gitaru. I will not lie to you guys, the Western Bypass crushed me. It was climbs upon climbs upon climbs. My energy levels were dropping. I however kept on. It is just a section, just a few more kilometers, just a few more. At 37km(Gitaru), we went to Chebet Jikoni for a cup of tea. I exhaled, that stretch nearly finished me. I guess the body was asking for some fuel.
The next stretch would be the southern bypass. I divided that into three. The first being Gitaru – Ngong Rd Interchange. The Southern bypass was gentle on me. My body felt at ease. However, at about 45km I was so thirsty and I had finished my water. I prayed that the 50km support station is well stocked.
At 50km (Ngong’ road Interchange), I gobbled in water and soda and fruits. I sat down and exhaled then hit the road again. I was halfway in, only half to go. The dopamine started kicking in slowly. It was sunny but windy, kinda cancelling each other out. The only undoing of the Southern bypass was the vehicles that move at an ungovernable speed.
The next block would be Ngong Rd – Lang’ata Rd Interchange. Let’s go brain, shall we?? I don’t remember much of that stretch, perhaps I was on airplane mode, except me arguing with coach about which comes first between Kibera and Langata, and reminiscing of our days at a certain institution that treated us like trash. Soon, we hit 60km at Langata.
As usual, water, soda, fruits. A two minutes sit down break. Alright brain, all eyes on Ole Sereni now, shall we?? I found this to be the simplest stretch. It felt familiar, perhaps due to it being the Stan-chart route, but I guess, the fact that I was approaching the homestretch. I dealt with the sun and wind and soon enough, Ole Sereni appeared in front of me like a God. My dopamine was at the highest here. I felt good, energized, strong minded and ready to hit the homestretch. 65km in, 35 to go. But first things first, let cross over to Mombasa road.
This is where I began to lose it. From this point I wasn’t familiar with the route, so I could only run with distance blocks, not places. It was time for 5km at a time. Something must kill a man.
I don’t remember the 65 -70km stretch, other that one support car and me changing socks at that station. I also remember asking coach kwani how far is Kabanas. We then entered the feeder road to Eastern bypass. What a congested place. Surprisingly. The 70-75km stretch went by pretty first, maybe I was awed by the activeness of Eastlands I forgot I was on the #roadto100k.
At 75km (Rubis Embakasi) I saw the support crew and my body shut down. I sat, removed my shoes, sprayed a tone of deep freeze. Took lots of soda, and water. I tried to take some crisps but I couldn’t. I decided to boost my watch charge since I was feeling so weak. It was like a five minutes break and at this point, we are not only chasing distance, but time. And when coach said its time to go, for the first time I felt like crying. 75km in, 25 to go. All right brain, let’s just get to 80 then, shall we??
75-80 was a struggle. Mind, body, legs, time. At this point, that question comes in. “Why do I do this again??” At the 80km support station, someone told me congratulations (I cant remember who it was) Someone else said not yet, but I said I’m taking the congratulations just in case “makosa ifanyike” between here and 100km. At this time my friend Jill had joined us for the homestretch push. My friends, do not underestimate the presence of someone. They don’t even need to talk; they just need to be there.
Finally, at 80km (Utawala, I guess) and dopamine had started rising again. My crew was at 90km. My tribe, Ubuntu. Now brain, let’s get to Nairobi Gate, shall we?? Friends, this was the longest stretch to ever exist. Darkness found us here, I saw a huge big river with very black water, I kept asking coach if I can sit down for a minute, I prevented myself from crying more than 3 times. Where the hell is Nairobi Gate?? And why is this road so damn straight?? Good Lord, why do I do this to myself??
1930hrs, arrival at Nairobi Gate. Captain Ness and Mandela (Must Go) were waiting. I was very mad, very tired but yoh, we were finally at 90km!!! Whaaaat?? I took several cups of very cold sodas (those felt really really really good) Sat for maybe 5-7 minutes and started the crawl mode stretch. At this point, I didn’t care. For what mattered, I was home.
2130hrs. The road to 100 kilometers came to an end. After a bonus of 1.5 kms, I was at the start point. Outvest Address Lounge. Ubuntuz were waiting led by crazy girl Maza and we danced to “kwela faaiinn” and crowned the day. After 101.5 kilometers. The #roadto100k came to a beautiful end. POWERED by UBUNTU, to UBUNTU, for UBUNTU.
I was convinced that this is madness packaged as endurance sports. Because no one does this for health purposes. We do it for something more, something deeper, something within ourselves. Is it worth it? Yes! Because it keeps us sane!! So, going by the same spirit, lets meet in 2026 same time, same place because madness must continue.
With Love,
Liz
Liz Mokamba 
Leave a comment