Kenyan ultramarathon runner and fitness advocate Sammy Washiali, who also features for Kenyatta University BlakBlad RFC in the Kenya Cup, has completed an extraordinary 384-kilometre endurance challenge dubbed *Run for a Life*, an initiative aimed at raising funds to help clear medical bills for children receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
A rugby player by profession in the sporting arena, Washiali has demonstrated that his passion for sport extends beyond the rugby pitch, using endurance running as another avenue to champion a humanitarian cause.
Washiali initially set out to cover 400 kilometres from Nairobi CBD towards Mombasa, with the ambitious target of running approximately 80–100 kilometres daily. However, after battling the demanding physical conditions of the journey, he eventually covered 384 kilometres, achieving 96 per cent of his original target.
The journey was far from easy. What began with immense energy and determination gradually became a serious test of physical and mental endurance, with intense leg pain and exposure to the scorching sunlight presenting some of the biggest challenges along the way.
Beyond the kilometres covered, however, Washiali’s motivation was anchored in a much bigger purpose: using his passion for running to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and their families.
Kenyatta National Hospital partnered with the initiative, while ORS Kenya provided support towards the hydration needs of the challenge.
Despite bringing the running challenge to an end, Washiali says the bigger mission remains unfinished, with the fundraising drive still ongoing as he seeks to mobilise resources towards helping settle medical bills for children at the hospital.
Reflecting on the experience, Washiali believes the 384 kilometres represent more than an endurance milestone, but rather a story of sacrifice, resilience and the power of sport to serve humanity.
His journey also highlights the versatility of athletes and how sporting talent and passion can be channelled into meaningful causes beyond competition. As a BlakBlad RFC player competing in the Kenya Cup, Washiali continues to embody the values of discipline, resilience and teamwork associated with rugby.
He also hopes the initiative will inspire others to embrace physical activity, support charitable causes and find meaningful ways of impacting the lives of those around them.
While the original 400-kilometre target remained just beyond reach, the purpose behind the journey continues.
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