Nairobi:

“Joe Sang's journey began in the misty mornings of Kericho County, where he ran barefoot on cold, rough paths to reach school. Every morning was a battle against the chill, the wet grass, and the sharp stones that cut into his feet. Yet, each step was also a stride toward resilience, a journey of building the strength and determination that would later define his life.

“Today, as the CEO of Kenya Pipeline Company Ltd, Joe carries those early lessons with him. But it’s not just about where he has reached; it’s about where he started—and how he can now give back,” reads the intro of a brochure introducing Joe Sang’s journey to the Chicago Marathon, a deep dive to launch the Joe Sang Foundation charity that will aid needy children gain education.

“Joe runs not just for fitness, but for the barefoot child trudging to school, as he once did. Each kilometre represents a child’s hope, a prayer that they too will find a path to a better future. The rhythm of his feet on the ground echoes with the potential of every child who dares to dream despite the odds,” the brochure adds.

Boosted by a personal best run in the half marathon at the recent Nairobi City Marathon, Joe Sang is pumped up ahead of the big challenge that comes up next month.

The Kenya Pipeline Company Chief Executive officer clocked one hour, 32 minutes and 44 seconds, a performance that motivates him ahead of the October 13 Chicago Marathon.

Sang has taken a leap of faith into the World Marathon Majors race - where the late Kenyan star Kelvin Kiptum shattered the world marathon record last year, running a phenomenal time of two hours and 35 seconds – to raise funds for charity.

Through the ‘Joe Sang Foundation,’ the Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director is seeking to raise over Sh200 million to benefit needy children by affording them a change at education over the next few years.

His training partner John Terer, a car sales businessman, clocked 1:32:46, finishing just a stride behind Sang at the Nairobi City Marathon and will be joining the MD at the Chicago Marathon where Kenya’s elite list includes World Championships medallists Amos Kipruto and Ruth Chepng’etich.

“For me this (Nairobi City Marathon) was a test. I wanted to test my muscles and generally test myself, and by running a personal best time, I’m sure that I’m ready,” Sang reflected on his performance.

“I’m running the Chicago Marathon for impact. To transform a life, and to help that needy child way back in the villages whose parents don’t have the means to pay their school fees.

“Under the Joe Sang Foundation that we are setting up, we will be able to help the underprivileged to go to school.”

Sang endured a four-year court process following allegations of financial impropriety at the Kenya Pipeline Company but was found not to be guilty.

“After the four years court process, I was vindicated and during my time out, I would meet and interact with the tea pluckers and their children and their plight touched me… so when I resumed my duties last year, I felt I needed to support these boys and girls who have the potential but lack fees.

“My friends challenged me and that’s when I decided to run the Chicago Marathon. I will be running, not as Managing Director, but as an individual to create an impact to society.”

The Joe Sang Foundation plans to come up with an endowment fund to help educate the needy children.

“This will go into perpetuity. It will outlive me, outlive all of us and in future, I’d like people to say ‘there lived a man who created the Joe sang Foundation that has educated children.’

“This dream will be a reality and that’s why I’m appealing for support and contributions – we will publish the details of the paybill number and bank account soon. We already have a lot of support from people in Kenya and abroad, who are ready to support our foundation.”

Sang’s personal journey has also been the motivation behind his run, having come from humble beginnings, running barefoot to school in Kabianga, Kericho County.

Besides Kipruto and Chepng’etich, other elite Kenyans in Chicago include Vincent Ng’etich, John Korir and Daniel Simiu Ebenyo who will be making a marathon debut.

Others are Joyciline Jepkosgei, Irene Cheptai, Dorcas Tuitoek, Mary Ngugi-Cooper and Stacey Ndiwa.

“There is a story Joe often recalls from his village in Kabianga, Kericho County. A boy, much like Joe, who ran to school every day with shoes that were falling apart. The day those shoes finally gave out, Joe handed him a spare pair of his own, and in doing so, gave him more than just footwear—he gave him hope, a chance to keep running toward his dreams,” the Joe Sang Foundation brochure further narrates.

“Years later, that boy returned to the village as a university graduate, ready to make his own mark on the world. This is the power of a small act of kindness, a ripple that can turn into a wave of change.

“By joining Joe in the Chicago Marathon, you are doing more than supporting a runner; you are investing in a future where every child has the chance to transform their life. Together, let’s make this journey from barefoot beginnings to boundless possibilities a reality. The goal is to raise 200 million Kenyan Shillings in the next two years, an investment that will empower countless lives and create a brighter future for all.”