dayoakinbode

145 marathons. 105 countries. Kenya just became one of my favourites. 🇰🇪❤️

From the moment I landed, this country held me.
Visa? Not required for Africans
Immigration? Smooth and warm
Africa welcoming Africa the way it should. 🌍
The Nairobi City Marathon? Brilliantly organised with crowds that didn’t just cheer,they believed in every single runner coming through.

But the people on that course are what I’ll never forget.

Liban, who ran back and forth for miles just to encourage me and two other ladies. Not for a medal. Not for recognition. Just because that’s who he is. 🥹

Veronica, a lone warrior I caught mid-race. We fell into step together and finished as one. Strangers to sisters in 42 kilometres. 💛

I crossed that finish line, grabbed my Nigerian flag 🇳🇬 and let myself feel every single thing.

The exhaustion. The gratitude. The joy.

This is why I run across this world. This right here. 🏃🏾‍♀️✨

The Gulf of Guinea is next. June 23 to 28 2026. 👀

Watch out for 1176 in Kipchoge’s home country tomorrow and cheer her on.
After visiting Kenya so many times, I am finally running a marathon here as Marathon Country 105