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Chicago here we come! Moment of reckoning for charity runner Joe Sang
Chicago here we come! Moment of reckoning for charity runner Joe Sang
Joe Sang poses at a Kelvin Kiptum tribute wall at the 46th Chicago Marathon
Sun Oct 13 2024

With temperatures hovering between 60 and 67 degrees, Fahrenheit (15.5 to 19.4 degrees Celsius), the city of Chicago was overcast and cloudy, but the mood of the residents and visitors was clearly festive and upbeat on the eve of the 46th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

This weekend, over 50,000 runners from different countries and diverse background descend on this popular city in the heart of Illinois.

 

 

Joe Sang poses for photos at the 46th Chicago Marathon accreditation centre

One of the six marathon majors, the race is the fourth largest in the world (by number of finishers).

It is in this meet last year that Kelvin Kiptum burst into the world scene, thundering through the course in two hours and 35 minutes (2:00:35) and shattering the world record.

The 2024 entries are northward of 50,000, certainly the biggest entry list in the marathon’s illustrious history.

Among the recreational runners will be a soft-spoken Joe Sang, the Managing Director of Kenya Pipeline Company.

Sang, a well-known ‘A’ list executive and recreational runner, brings his trademark steely focus from the boardroom to the marathon course.

 

Joe Sang goes through the registration process at the 46th Chicago Marathon accreditation centre 2

A fitness junkie, he will be participating in this event to raise funds for the Joe Sang Foundation, a Kenyan non-profit organization that seeks to empower young children from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them an opportunity at education.

Sang himself grew up in poverty and has worked extremely hard to get ahead.

Today, he strives to improve the fortune of others through education, healthcare and social services.

He sums it up: “every child deserves a chance, and I’m doing this marathon as part of efforts to better the lives of children who are unable to access the basic needs.

“I have come from such a background and my vision is to improve the lives of as many children as I can, one at a time.

“I invite people of goodwill to join this cause and give a helping hand through the foundation. Every mile I run this weekend will be to raise money for this cause.”

Even though he is participating in this event for charity, Joe’s competitive nature comes through. The ever-dedicated man he is, I caught him raring to go, as he warmed up in the streets of Chicago on the eve of the event.

“How do you feel about this weekend’s run?”, I asked.

“I’m ready!! I’m always ready! Chicago, here we come!” an upbeat Sang quipped as he jogged off.

 

To follow Joe Sang and track his progress at the event, log on to www.chicagomarathon 2024. Enter Bib # 21301 and cheer Joe as he throttles through the streets of Chicago. Also follow his fundraising work on www.joesangfoundation.com and on social media at: thejoesang_foundation (Instagram)