In what can only be described as a marathon of marathons, Deo Kato’s quest to run from Cape Town to London hit an unexpected turn as he navigated through Kenya, adapting his route due to security concerns in Ethiopia. Originally planned as a direct crossing through Ethiopia, Kato’s journey extended significantly, leading to unforeseen challenges and remarkable encounters across Kenya.
Kato, who embarked on this epic journey to highlight human migration and challenge societal prejudices, found himself rerouting 942km back to take an alternative path to South Sudan. This adjustment not only added significant distance to his journey but also extended his stay in the scenic expanses of Kenya, which turned out to be both challenging and rewarding.
“We spent a long time in this beautiful country, and due to not crossing into Ethiopia as planned, we spent much longer than anticipated,” Kato shared on his Strava post. Despite the setbacks, Kenya offered moments of peace and camaraderie. “Finding peace is key for me, and what a place to do just that,” he remarked. Kato praised his new driver, Mulundo, for his understanding of running, which allowed him to immerse himself in the serene landscapes and supportive communities along the route.
However, the journey was not without its difficulties. The lack of suitable fuel sources for their camping stove meant that Kato and his team often had to rely on guesthouses and lodges for meals, which sometimes led to less than ideal dietary conditions, including an unfortunate incident involving maggots. Nonetheless, Kato expressed gratitude for the dietary supplements provided by sponsors, which helped maintain his health through the nutritional challenges.
The warmth of the Kenyan people left a strong impression on Kato, particularly the children who joined him on his runs. “Once I started to move forward again more kiddos joined me, like a ripple effect, as if they had heard about the man who looks like them running. What an incredible boost they gave me,” he reflected.
As Kato left Kenya and entered the uncertain terrains of South Sudan, he looked back on his time in Kenya with gratitude, despite the unexpected detour. “We remain grateful for the beautiful memories of Kenya,” he said, preparing himself and his followers for the next chapter of his journey in South Sudan.
The ultramarathon runner’s experience in Kenya underscores the unpredictable nature of such a massive undertaking, fraught with logistical challenges yet enriched by local encounters that deepen the journey’s impact. As Kato continues toward London, his journey highlights the resilience and adaptability required to traverse continents on foot, echoing the migratory challenges faced by many across the globe.
