On the last Saturday of November, the Tropiki team finally joined the vibrant community of We Run Nairobi — a fast-growing run club founded by the incredible marathoner Emily Chepkor, who has completed more than ten marathons across the world. Her vision? To make running accessible, joyful and rooted in the community. Every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 a.m., We Run Nairobi hosts runs across the city’s most scenic routes. The schedule and locations rotate, so be sure to follow their social media pages to stay updated. With Emily and her team leading the way, one thing is clear — willingness is the only requirement.
A Scenic Saturday in Tigoni
For this edition, we chose the iconic Tigoni run, with the breathtaking Lakehouse as the meetup point. By 7:00 a.m., the parking area was already alive, public buses ferrying groups of runners, attendants guiding cars and more than a hundred participants dressed in vibrant workout gear. Tigoni greeted us with its signature charm: rolling green hills, endless tea plantations, crisp cold air and a peaceful stillness that made you feel like the day had already blessed you.
Walking into Lakehouse, we were met by cheerful Nivea representatives handing out sunscreen to everyone coming in, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for a well-organized run. You could feel the energy buzzing: instructions booming over a megaphone, chatter rippling through the crowd and excitement flowing from every corner.
At 7:20 a.m., the warm-up began. Ten minutes later, the crowd surged forward, each person choosing their challenge: 6 km, 8 km, 10 km, 12 km, or the ambitious 15 km.
The Trail, The People, The Spirit
The route was beautifully mapped: gentle hills, lush tea fields, small creeks and springs, coffee pickers at work and children lining the paths to offer high fives that instantly lifted morale. Emily’s team was stationed at key segments, cheering, guiding, offering water and giving encouragement. Luton Hospital provided an ambulance that shadowed the runners for safety— reassuring but never intrusive.
We Run Nairobi’s magic lies in its inclusivity. Some sprinted. Some jogged. Many walked.Everyone moved at their own pace.
Every passing runner offered a “You’ve got this!” Or a quick smile. Strangers held hands across streams, helped each other take pictures and laughed through the challenge together. Plaques at the turning points marked distances and provided photo-ops—little reminders that every kilometer was worth celebrating.
Tropiki’s Tigoni Adventure
The Tropiki team came with full excitement (and a slightly competitive spirit).
Our group chat bet was simple: whoever achieved 15 km wins; losers buy breakfast. The boss even sponsored the prize, so spirits were high.
We weaved through the trail, chatting, taking photos, playing games and hyping each other up at every mark. The pace was slow and steady, enjoying both the movement and the moment.
We eventually reached the 12 km point, paused, celebrated… and decided that this was our sweet spot for the day. A proud achievement for our first Tigoni run. Next time, though? We’re going for the full 15 km — especially now that the boss has promised to double the prize… after we split the current one, of course.Along the journey, we made friends, helped solo runners take photos and exchanged stories with other attendees. It felt more like a community picnic on the move than a workout session.
A Finish Line Full of Joy
Back at Lakehouse, the atmosphere felt like a mini festival. A DJ played uplifting music. There was food, games and more giveaways from Nivea. Every 25th finisher won a Nivea hamper, adding more excitement to the morning.
We spread out on the grass and soaked in the warmth, the view, the music, and the shared accomplishment. Lakehouse, with its serene ambiance, was the perfect place to unwind after the run.
The Magic of We Run Nairobi
We run Nairobi is more than a fitness routine — it’s a movement of belonging.
Emily and her team have created a space where:
- Fitness meets friendship
- Strangers cheer each other on
- Every pace is welcome
- Every runner feels included
- Community becomes the real finish line
You don’t need to know anyone. You just show up — and the community embraces you.
For Tropiki, Tigoni was a beautiful reminder that:
- Movement is medicine
- Community is strength
- Joy is found in shared effort
We’ll definitely be back and next time, we’re conquering the 15 km.
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