Jesse’s unstoppable quest in ultra marathon running

By Teddy Mulei

For over a century, Kenya has been the undisputed powerhouse of marathon running, with athletes leaving an indelible mark on the global stage, shattering record after record and consistently raising the bar in endurance sports.

From the first golden strides by Douglas Wakiihuri at the 1987 World Championships in Rome to Samuel Wanjiru’s electrifying triumph at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Kenyan marathoners have weaved an epic tale of domination.

The marathon world record, currently held by the late Kelvin Kiptum with an astonishing 2:00:35 set in Chicago, is another testament to Kenya’s stranglehold on long-distance running.

Athletics greats like two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge have shone on the global stage amassing 15 wins in his 18 Marathon appearances. But while the marathon holds the limelight, a lesser-known yet equally gruelling challenge beckons — the Ultra Marathon.

The category which features distances of 50km to 100km is by far the longest distance on the road. Jesse Njoroge, a 42-year-old father of three, is on a mission to not only conquer this ultimate test of endurance but also bring it to the attention of a nation enamoured with marathons.

Njoroge’s passion is as fierce as the race itself. “Many Kenyans have little knowledge about the ultra marathon. Most of the focus by the fans in the nation and globally remains on the marathon and long-distance track events like the 5,000m and 10,000m. This is a narrative I am working to change,” Njoroge states.

“Countries like Spain, Japan and America are synonymous with ultra marathon running but in Africa, only South Africa has embraced it. The Two Oceans 52km race, for example, has been held for over five decades,” he adds.

For Njoroge, it’s not just about distance, but a personal challenge to push beyond conventional limits. “I began with half marathons and then full marathons before transitioning into ultra running.

Many fear the sheer distance, but I’ve always been one to take on challenges. It’s a different beast compared to the marathon, but once you’re accustomed to running 48km, 50km, or 52km, even the marathon feels manageable,” he says.

“It is a challenge sometimes to find marathon races so venturing into ultra marathon was a way of looking for greener pastures since the rewards are good,” he adds.

Born in 1983 in Gituamba village, Kiambu county to a family of seven (two girls and five boys), his journey in running began at a tender age. “I started running while in Class Seven, doing the long-distance events like the 5,000m. I got to represent my school at the national championships in Bhukungu. Although I didn’t podium that year, it didn’t stop me,” Njoroge recalls.

He joined Gatunguru Boys High School in 2000, where his talent flourished, breaking the school record in the 5,000m and gaining valuable experience at the national level.

“It’s hard to remember the exact time I clocked, but my teachers still tell me the record stands,” he adds. “While in Form One, I represented my school at the national championships in the 5,000m. Unfortunately, the performance was not that great.”

After high school, he joined the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) running team, where the late coach, Peter Mathu, recognised his potential.

“Coach Mathu’s encouragement really shaped my career,” he says. He recalls how his great love for running raised eyebrows in the community, who thought he was mad.

“I come from a community where running is not viewed highly. They thought I was going crazy because of my great passion for running.”

Njoroge joined the National Youth Service (NYS) in 2005, where he honed his leadership skills as the sports captain while continuing his running. After his time at NYS, he joined General Motors where he studied automotive engineering for three years while still continuing with his training.

So good was he that the National Police Service saw his talent and recruited him in 2008.

“I was recruited by the Police service because of running. I joined Embakasi Training College in 2008 and graduated in 2009,” he states. Njoroge’s marathon career kicked off in May 2010 with the Mombasa Marathon, where he clocked 2:15 for a seventh-place finish.

A month later, he made his international debut at the Kuala Lumpur Marathon, finishing sixth in 2:14. But it was in 2015, at the prestigious Two Oceans 56km Ultra Marathon in South Africa, that he truly found his calling.

“It was my first Ultra Marathon and I remember coach Bernard Ouma taking three of us there. Our sponsor, Old Mutual Bank, made it all possible,” Njoroge recalls.

He placed 14th in 3:22:31, while his compatriots Charles Maina (3:16:45) and Arnold Kibet (3:19:05) finished fifth and tenth, respectively. Lesotho’s Motlokoa Nkhabutlane (3:10:28), Zimbabwe’s Colin Makaza (3:12:42) and Moeketsi Mosuhli of Lesotho (3:13:45) claimed the podium.

The ultra-marathon circuit has since become a familiar battleground for Njoroge, where resilience and grit are tested over gruelling distances.

He returned to the Two Oceans in 2018, improving his time to 3:17:29 for 10th place. Chesire became the first Kenyan male athlete to claim victory after clocking 3:09:22, leading Lebenya Nkoka of Lesotho (3:10:32) and David Gatebe of South Africa (3:11:13) home.

In 2019, he partook his third Two Ocean race placing seventh in 3:18:17. In 2022, he completed the 48km South Africa Run for Cancer Ultra Marathon in 2:49:51, finishing 11th. Earlier this year, he participated in the City to City 50km Ultra Marathon, placing fifth in 2:54:37.

However, his journey hasn’t been without obstacles. One of the biggest hurdles Njoroge faces is the lack of a dedicated ultra marathon federation in Kenya.

“For the Ultra Marathon to thrive, each country needs to have its own federation separate from the regular athletics body. Unfortunately, not many people are familiar with the Ultra, so we don’t have enough athletes or awareness to form a committee, which is necessary for a federation. Right now, we are just four Ultra Marathon runners in the country. That number needs to grow.”

The absence of sponsorship is another pressing issue. “We don’t have any local sponsors supporting us at the moment. I’m fortunate to have some backing from Nedbank in South Africa for a few races, but that’s about it. If we had local sponsors, it would make a world of difference,” Njoroge observes.

Despite the challenges, Njoroge remains steadfast in his mission to elevate sport in Kenya. “Running is more than a career for me. It’s my life. I want ultra marathon to get the recognition it deserves. It has enabled me to provide for my family and I know it has the potential to change the lives of others too,” he says.

Despite his individual achievements, Njoroge is motivated by his training partners, whose camaraderie and encouragement fuel his perseverance. “When my training mates finish their 40km sessions, they start cheering me on as I complete my 45km. Their energy gives me the strength to keep going,” he says.

Njoroge’s close-knit training group has David Karuiru, David Muhoho, Charles Munyua and John Lorono. Lorono, the 2015 Jakarta Marathon champion, is vocal about Njoroge’s profound influence on his career. “Training with Jesse pushes me beyond my limits,” Lorono admits.

“He’s more than just a running partner; he’s like a coach to all of us. His experience is unmatched and his ability to conquer the ultra marathon distances is awe-inspiring. Running for over 50km is no joke. It’s a mental and physical battle that most wouldn’t dare take on. Honestly, I don’t know if I’d ever have the guts to attempt it,” he adds.

Njoroge’s impact extends beyond his immediate circle of running peers. His vision to nurture future generations of athletes has taken root at Kenswed High School, nestled in the picturesque Ngong Hills.

Alongside Karuiru and the institutions of director Isaac Macharia, himself a renowned marathoner, Njoroge spearheads a youth development programme aimed at developing raw talent.

“We have almost 20 students. We have had tremendous success having sent seven boys to Japan last year after they excelled on the track,” says Karuiru. “Many of these kids aren’t excelling academically, but their natural talent in athletics is undeniable. That’s what we focus on...building their potential and giving them a chance. This programme has the potential to produce the next big names in Kenyan athletics.”

Munyua finds himself reconsidering his future in long-distance running, thanks to Njoroge’s influence. “Jesse’s work ethic is infectious.

We often run distances nearing 40km and if I can keep up with him, then I’m confident I can tackle the ultra marathon too.

His passion is rubbing off on me and I’m seriously contemplating making my ultra debut next year,” Munyua reveals. For 24-year-old Muhoho, who joined the group recently, training under such a seasoned athlete has been both humbling and motivating.

“Joining the group just a few months ago, I knew it would be tough, but that’s what I needed; someone who could push me to my limits. Njoroge is much older than me, yet he consistently outperforms everyone. It’s inspiring and it makes me want to be better,” Muhoho shares.

His current focus is securing a podium finish in the 21km at the Standard Chartered Marathon in October. “My target is to clock 1:06 in the half marathon during this year’s Stanchart Marathon,” he adds.