BY PAMIA SPORTS TEAM
Nairobi, 25 January,2026: Limuru night guard Joseph Lusike beat a crowded field to emerge victorious in the 21km half marathon race at the 2026 Tigoni Family Trail Run.
Navigating the challenging trail course during the race in Limuru on Saturday, Lusike breasted the tape to win the half marathon in a victory that carried significance beyond the finish line for the Laikipia-born father of one.
While expressing gratitude to the organisers for allowing him to participate despite not being able to register in advance, Lusike says a lack of financial support has hindered his athletic development but remained thankful for the opportunity to take part, enjoy the run, and showcase his talent, even though the event was largely a fun run rather than a competitive race.
The winner, Lusike, has been shouldering the responsibility of caring for four additional children left in his care following the death of his sister.
Multiple Olympic and World champion Beatrice Chebet graced the Tigoni Family Trail Run adding prestige and excitement to the event held through a partnership between Woodland Star International School and Brackenhurst Conference and Retreat Centre.
Speaking before the start of the race, the Kenyan long-distance runner and world record holder in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres, and five-kilometre road race hailed the event’s organisation and its purpose, highlighting the importance of running beyond competition.
“I am happy to be at the Tigoni Family Trail Run and glad for the opportunity to inspire people to run together and to show that running outside competition can still be enjoyable. It’s great to see how people get inspired and enjoy the run. Running brings families together and unites people, and I am happy to be here. I just want to thank Woodland Star International School for the invitation. I am grateful,” Chebet said.
The event, which took place under ideal Saturday morning weather conditions, included competitions in the 21km half marathon race followed by the 10km and 5km road-race categories, as well as a 2.5km family-friendly Colour Run and walk.
The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including children, parents, staff from Woodland Star International School and Brackenhurst, as well as the public. Runners enjoyed scenic forest trails surrounding the two institutions, with the Colour Run standing out as one of the most exciting highlights, particularly among children.
Woodland Star International School Sports Director Abel Mutiso, a former middle-distance athlete and head of the event, highlighted the uniqueness of the race.
“The Tigoni Family Trail Run, also called the Colour Run, is one of the most fun events we have in the country. We blend running and nature, and we have seven different colours that we sprinkle on participants as they run so that they finish the race covered in many colors. These colours represent different nationalities and cultures across the world. Today, we are privileged to have one of the all-time great distance runners, Beatrice Chebet,” said Mutiso.
Woodland Star International School Head Rory Parkinson expressed satisfaction with the turnout and optimism for future editions of the event.
“This was the first year we had the chance to properly advertise the event and open it up to the public, and the response has been incredible. We have had almost 500 people taking part, and it has been pretty awesome,” said Parkinson.