Run the 1 and the Rafiki Runs are back!
Hello everybody!
As has become the norm, we are gearing up for our big fundraising push at the end of the year via our two events: the Rafiki Run and Run the 1.
What's not normal is the amount of folks and locations that are getting actively involved. We have many more friends putting in huge efforts on behalf of the kids in Rwanda.
Below are the dates, locations and info for those who don't wish to read the rest of this blog post. Keep in mind, some of the Rafiki Runs are still getting worked out so stay tuned as we continue planning.
Run the 1 2017
December 2nd, 2017
Ragged Point to Morro Rock
After Party - Kreuzberg, Downtown San Luis Obispo, CA
RAFIKI RUN 2017
November 18th, 2017
KIGALI, Rwanda
San Luis Obispo, CA
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Arcata, CA
Merrimack, NH
The United Kingdom
Boston, MA
Dallas, TX
Akron, OH
Arcata, CA
Fairbanks, AK
Janesville, WI
New London, CT
And more, there is still plenty of time to do your own too!
About the RAFIKI RUN
Over the years, the Rafiki Run has evolved into a global, unified showing of support for our boys in Kigali, and a great prelude to Run the 1. When we realized so many of our supporters around the world that couldn't make Run the 1 were doing their own runs, we reached out to them to see if we could coordinate our efforts to happen all on the same day.
We were met with enthusiasm and generosity. The list above of Rafiki Runs includes countless folks taking time out of their days to bring people together to stand with us all as we show our dedication to our efforts in Rwanda. Some of the runs will be big events themselves, and others will be just a few great friends going for a jog on a Saturday. Regardless, every run helps and is really appreciated. All Rafiki Runs will be two weeks before Run the 1 this year on November 18th. We encourage anyone reading this who can't make it out with us to Run the 1 to consider finding a Rafiki Run or doing their own. We will help you all the way!
2017's
RUN THE 1
Over the past couple years, I've seen a growing trend for Run the 1 to become a sort of reunion. I myself have left the Arroyo Grande Hotshots and now no longer work primarily in California. The same goes for many of the people who have been running with me since the beginning. However, I know that, like me, many of them do their best to make it for the event every year. It brings a great feeling of reunion to me and it continues to help Ubaka's cause which is still just as important as it was the first year we did it.
Sadly, it has been a tough year for the Big Sur community where most of the running takes place. Currently, the Highway 1 portion of Big Sur has two places that are still impassable. Therefore, this year's event will only be one day. However, I do like the idea of having everyone involved on the same leg of the journey, so I'm not complaining too much. We will all get our workout together, enjoy the beautiful sunset, and party like there is no tomorrow in San Luis Obispo that night. Those wonderful things and more will bring us together and we will do our best to keep our kids in school and a roof over their heads..literally.
First day of school picture for Manzi and Francois
Currently, I write to you in Merrimack, NH which is my hometown. All of my charity fundraising has always been in California over the years. It feels really cool to be working hard here locally now too, thanks to the Able Ebenezer Brewing Company for giving me their blessing to try to make a big event at their brewery. In between that, it has been a joy to work along with other Rafiki Run event planners around the country and world. At the very least, these endeavors allow me to spend time with a lot of people showing off the best that's in them. You won't see those beautiful things in the news, but it doesn't always take much to be reminded how wonderful a person can be even in these trying times.
STAY TUNED...
Thanks for reading. Please don't hesitate to contact us for anything. There is a lot of exciting things to come so stay tuned!
Many of the boarding school boys before they headed out earlier this year