Our hotel in Masaka was hosting many runners for the annual “Run for Education”, so I asked a few of the coordinators if there was any room left for more participants. I was so happy to hear that they were still allowing entries, so I signed up! All of the proceeds go toward education for youth in Uganda, which is an important cause, and with the bonus of some good exercise and fun. Many days here can be emotionally and physically draining so it is so vital to balance work and life :)
The race includes a 42km, 21km, and 10km race option, and I opted for the 10km heat - even that was a bit of a stretch after a few weeks without running! I had the joy of joining 6000 other runners, most of them Ugandan, as we warmed up with dancing and stretching and then ran through and past some nearby villages just outside of Masaka. Hundreds of locals cheered us along as we ran.
I ran with a new friend named Angela who I met before the race, and we spent most of the run chatting about our lives and the differences and similarities between Canada and Uganda. I almost didn’t believe when we were nearly at the finish line, as the time had gone by so quickly!
After the race, I spent more time with Angela and her friend Joseph before we parted ways.
After a big breakfast and quick shower, I headed to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for the rest of the afternoon where I had the privilege of welcoming a sweet 3800g baby boy to the world.
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