KILN Sierra Leone Marathon 2012

To be part of the first-ever Sierra Leone Marathon was for me an absolute pleasure and just the sort of adventure I was looking for.

Work on the KSLM (everything gets abbreviated in SaLone) started long before I got involved, I think the idea originated a few years back then Race Director Ben Hodgson planned the route in June 2011 over a crazy running three-day period.

I must say, fantastic job Ben, the course is one of the best I have ever witnessed and my initial reaction was just WOW. The mixture of Makeni city centre, the dirt tracks through the bush and the number of amazing villages you get to pass really capture the spirit and the character of Sierra Leone.

Friday 13^th April would be unlucky for some, but not for me as that was the date that I arrived in this beautiful country. When you land at the airport everything is a bit chaotic and you really start to wonder what you have let yourself in for. However once you catch the ferry (or the speedboat if you have a bit of dollar) across to the main land and see some of the sights you are simply amazed.

My chance to travel to Sierra Leone came through ‘The Collective’, a newly established agency who helps partner volunteers with a specific project, mine, the Marathon.

Our four-day in-house training took place at Tribe Wanted on Jon Obey Beach, with the best classroom in the world, the best fish in the world and the most annoying/fun kid in the world MoMo.

It was at Tribe Wanted where I met Nick, from here our bromance started to blossom, we got on really well (Nick’s girlfriend Heather used to think we got on too well) and we were unstoppable in getting things done in such a short space of time.

An early morning three-hour drive from the peace and tranquillity of the coast to the heat and tradition of Makeni provided the perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other and for Nick to bring me up to speed on the progress of the KSLM and what exactly I would be doing…. The list was endless.

Like many of the runners, my first port of call in Makeni was the Clubhouse bar on Magburaka road (pronounced Magbruka) so we stopped here to sample the local cuisine, typical Brit I went for the full English breakfast. Here I met the wonderful staff and one very important man, without we would not have made the KSLM such a success, introducing Benjamin Kamara.

Benjamin was a school administrator and community liaison; therefore he knew every man and his stray dog for miles around. Primarily Nick got in touch with Benjamin to ask him to sort out a few home stays for a few of our guests, but he proved much more useful than that. BK gave us directions around the whole of the course, he provided cool boxes, musicians, race marshals, entertainers and was key in sensitising the chiefs and villagers about the event.

That was one of the best tasks I was assigned, to travel around every village that was involved in the route and to talk to the local people, asking permission from the Paramount Chiefs and trying to excite the children and encourage them to cheer for our runners as they went past. Through this I met some lovely people, such as the old woman who kept on trying to run every time we mentioned a marathon, to the head chief who was honoured that we would pass through his province and spoke so passionately about developing his country and helping ‘Street Child’.

My first main job was to book every room at every hotel in Makeni to make sure that we would have enough to host our international runners, plus some of the ex pats from Freetown.

As you may have guessed there is not much to choose from but what they did have on offer was nice enough. The guesthouses we used included Mena Hills, Gulf, Lizmed 2 (number 1 was not up to scratch) AMZAS and Wusum hotel. Over the next few weeks I would have to maintain constant contact with the managers to ensure they stuck to the standards we set out and that they would not double book the rooms. The downside of booking so many rooms so early was my phone never stopped ringing as they wanted paid upfront, after a bit of northern charm and Nick speaking the local lingo, they all agreed payment would be made later on.

Others that we needed to get on side quickly in order to plan for race day was the Ministry of Sport and in particular Mr. Samuel Williams. This was easy as this gentleman was a top lad. He loved the idea of hosting a MaraTon (yes MaraTon is how SaLoneans pronounce it) in Makeni, he wanted the Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA) to play a big part in the event and this is where we found our race marshals, the guys who gathered early in the morning and stood at their posts for several hours directing the runners where to go.

Though so they should as many of them let me wait a fair few hours when we had meetings set up. Most of them went by African time, so they would show up when they wanted to or in Mr Fullah’s case not at all after we had arranged a 7am meet at a school approx 1mile away from my house. Cheers Mr Fullah.

The police played a big part on race day; they ensured the safety of the runners all around the course. On the day they were so professional and effective, this cannot be said however in the build up, as myself and Ben spent many hours chasing after different officials or police chiefs to get documents created, then signed, then signed again…. all without paying a bribe!

The same was accomplished in Freetown after our Kiwi runner Ben Ashby had his passport stolen and the police asked for a fee to quicken their work, Street Child volunteer Jannah and I would not stand for that and still got the job done!

One of the scariest moments in SaLone occurred when on my own mission with the police. I was trying to get Superintendent Sesay to finally sign a document when he shouted me over to talk with him in the middle of the field I thought nothing off it until around 20 armed police started running at me in their riot gear, they didn’t stop, they just ran around me!

Other influential helpers of the KSLM came from Makeni City Council, which included Mayor Moses Sesay, Deputy Mayor Fofanah, Chief Administrator Mr Daramy and Mr Senasie the City Engineer. They all played their part when we could find them or arrange a meeting, again many hours were sat waiting outside of offices so to pass the time I got the know the guards very well or would play ‘Angry Birds’ on my iPhone.

So that is a brief outline of some of the tasks I was involved in preparing the Kiln Sierra Leone Marathon 2012. Now I want to talk about two of the most incredible experiences, which sum up the event and my trip perfectly. Funnily enough they both involve the delightfully named ‘Talent Town’.

Number one occurred when I had a meeting in TT with Benjamin Kamara and the chief, you guessed it Mr Talent. It was a short but constructive conversation constantly interrupted by his pet monkey. It was short because the heavens started to open and I wanted to get back home before dark. The downpour lasted for several hours and the roads were flooded, no bikes were passing and even if they were it was quite dangerous.

So off I went on a run back to New London, around two miles away in the lashing rain, dodging the huge puddles with the thunder and lightning in the background. All the locals were laughing and shouting “Aporto crazy” as I sprinted passed, many offered me shelter but the smile on my face let them know I was enjoying this all too much. I had with me a small jacket but it didn’t actually do much good, what was useful were my headphones as I ran along to Coldplay, in particular the perfectly named song ‘Paradise’, it really was a defining moment for me, the madness, kindness and simplicity of Sierra Leone.

Number two involves the trio of Nick, Ben and I when we pulled an all nighter before the Marathon was set to start. We were fuelled by cans of Coca Cola, Mars Bars and pure adrenalin as we set off around Makeni in our hired vehicle, Ben driving through the streets in complete darkness, Nick jumping out and putting up tape to outline the course and me sat in the back of the truck, why, because I had to act as a weight for the blown up paddling pool!

That’s not the half of it, because time was getting on, Ben asked me to run ahead and put the 4mile sign up on the bridge, just before you enter Talent Town. Off I went as quickly as I could only to then start getting chased by four random dogs, all I kept thinking of as I was waving them away with the cardboard sign was how my brothers would wind me up if I caught Rabies from a dog bite. Glad to say I got away only to return to the car with Nick and Ben laughing at me and at the random music on the radio. It was a fun night!

I was disappointed not to see much of the start/finish area on race day, although what I did see was brilliant. I was out on the course, driving round checking on runners, dropping off race marshals, bags of water and medical supplies and then shadowing the last two runners John and Jimmy from the half-way point.

Despite injury the pair were determined to finish and though time was getting on and the heat was rising, I wanted to see them cross the finishing line and receive their medal just as much as they did.

It was a pleasure to get out and walk the last 5k of the race with them, to feel involved and enjoy a bit of craic with the lads on this historic day. People still cheered them on and encouraged them to keep going. The trouble was the Clock tower and Rogbaneh Road was busy again, the police had now left and traffic was flying through. Here we made a convoy with an ambulance and its siren in front, John, Jimmy and I in the middle followed by my emergency vehicle and we marched on through to a warm reception at Birch Memorial High School.

We made it, we all did. Every runner and everybody involved should be so proud of this wonderful achievement. Not only did we raise around £400,000 for the charity Street Child, but also ploughed money into the local economy through food, accommodation, transport and even the making of the special medals.

And we showcased what Sierra Leone has to offer, we captured what this place is really about, sharing it with such magnificent people, so for that I raise a Star beer to you all and can’t wait to do it all again next year.

Tenki

Mark

Blog 14. Freetown- part 1

My first visit to the capital of Sierra Leone was a terrific one, but to be honest it was more like I was back in the UK for a few days. I was very fortunate to get a lift with Nick for the three-hour journey to Freetown and then when I arrived I stayed at the British High Commission.

Running water, constant electricity, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, Xbox and western food. Just what I needed.

Nick’s and his girlfriend Heather were fantastic hosts for the few days, cooking pancakes, Nachos and Lasagne whilst making me feel welcome in their home.

This was all really nice, but this was not really Freetown, whereas the HASH was.

Hash Freetown House Harriers are ‘the drinking club, with a running problem. A group with over 50 members made up of locals and ex-pats. Quite simply they go for a crazy run all around the HILLS of Freetown, dipping through people’s houses, dodging the sewer drains and chasing the kids up paths/steps.

If this is not mad enough for you, then read on. The route is decided before all of the runners meet up, then they nominate two ‘hares’ to lead the way without giving them directions or their destination. The hares must navigate the course following shredded pieces of paper which the race master has placed before the fun begins.

Sometimes, the race master will try to trick you and give you a few options of paper to follow, most leading to a dead-end. So you must choose wisely and listen out for the call of “on-on” before forcing yourself up the steep hills.

Bar the Great North Run, it was one of the best I have ever been involved in. Though it did not stop there, when we were all finished and back at the meeting point all of the runners formed a circle and the beers were dished out J

This wasn’t just a casual one or two, the bottles were flying out quick and certain people had to neck drinks either for penalties, or in my case as I was a HASH virgin!

A bit of chop was also provided, rice and chicken, good stuff. The people were all really friendly, just like the rest of the SaLoneans, I completed a bit of exercise and honestly cannot think of a better way of seeing Freetown. An incredible experience.

Blog 13. Clubhouse Birthday Party

Saturday 19^th May 2012, the Clubhouse Makeni celebrated its one-year anniversary in some style.

The Clubhouse is the main business venture for the charity ‘Street Child of Sierra Leone’ where all of its profits go directly towards helping children sleeping rough all around SL.

Even a horrific thunderstorm on the morning of the party, which flooded the courtyard could not dampen our spirits, as the staff of Sierra Leone’s number one bar worked hard to make it the hottest place in town.

I attended the party on official KSLMarathon business, hosting some of our local supporters and partners for a few drinks and an incredible buffet.

At first for me it was all about making small talk and keeping some people sweet, (we may need favours from them in the future). So the Star beer went down quite slowly, I held back on the vodka and pineapple punch and only caught bits of the Champions League final!!!!

However, by 10pm the majority of them had left or were mingling with other guests, so I was able to relax and chill out with other Collective volunteers and friends.

The Star went down quicker and the craic flowed, except when Nick Piggott demonstrated his Dutch accent and I could not stop laughing.

The food was really good, including onion rings, spring rolls, pasta, salad and Barracuda, plus there was birthday cake. Not quite Mr Kipling but decent for Salone.

After a bit of dancing, singing with a Rastafarian and a few photos we called it a night. And what a great one it was. Happy Birthday Clubhouse Makeni.

Blog 12 Marathon Madness

Just under FOUR weeks now until the first ever KILN Sierra Leone Marathon.

Not long at all, it means I have been here for 4 weeks already and though much has been done there is still plenty to crack on with.

For anybody reading this blog who is running in one of the events, you really are quite lucky.

Not only do you have the opportunity to raise money and awareness for the amazing charity ‘Street Child of Sierra Leone’, you also get to run around what is an incredible course with some of the most incredible and friendliest people I have ever met.

I hope you are all as excited as the locals and myself are. With banners being displayed around Makeni and the marathon jingle playing out in Krio and English on the radio stations, everyone in SaLone is talking about the 9^th of June.

More and more people are getting involved, whether it is to run, to help out as race volunteers or simply to cheer you along the course, the locals cannot wait.

I have been out running a few times in Makeni (thinking about calling ourselves the New London Harriers), a small morning jog is greeted with such enthusiasm, especially when the children heading to school chase you, it’s brilliant.

A few tips:

·      Sweatbands are a must, even early morning you will be soaked.

·      Be prepared to wave at lots of people

·      Maybe write your name on your vest or number so people can cheer you on around the course.

·      Wear bright colours, you will fit in with the locals better.

·      Most importantly, smile and you will enjoy it more.

Blog 11 Rogbonko Village

With the arrival of the new Collective volunteer Adam, we all decided to go away for the night to Rogbonko village, an hour and a half’s drive away to a cashew nut and sugar plantation.

It may not sound like much, not quite a trip to Alton Towers or a major city break, but this is just what we needed. A calm and quiet break from the intensity of Makeni.

The drive up to Rogbonko was really nice, passing through loads of small villages where the kids would chase the car and scream with delight at welcoming visitors. Plus getting to see more of this amazing country.

It seemed like the whole of Rogbonko greeted us on our way in, they were keen to show us to our rooms, very decent, four stars if you ask me (SaLone standard).

After a little bit exploring we went in search of the river, desperate for a swim and to cool off a bit. The first pool was like a little swamp with only a few people in. Looked good to me, but the others wanted to see what our guide called the ‘best river’.

Fair enough it was slightly bigger and less trees around but how exactly it was the best I am not sure. Anyway in for a splash and from there we chilled out all night, reading books, sharing stories and star gazing at an incredible sky.

The food was the highlight of the trip, fresh pineapple as a snack, then groundnut soup with chicken and mushy rice for dinner. Breakfast was more pineapple, fried potato, scrambled eggs and a cup of tea. Lovely

Before we left, off we went for another dip in the ‘best river’ when I became Steve Irwin, across the path I found a little green snake darting towards a frog. I kept watching and even wanted to commentate as the snake kept attacking its prey and dragged it into the bushes. Exciting.

Back into Charlie’s car, sat in the boot looking out back over the vast plantation and enjoying the ride.

Blog 10. Language

You may have already guessed this, but the locals are struggling to understand me with such an accent. As is the problem back home (especially in Stork) and with some of the other volunteers.

Although the primary language in Sierra Leone is English, it is still sometimes difficult to translate. Then there are the different languages that people use depending upon where they were born and their tribe.

The main two I have encountered are Krio and Temne and to further complicate matters, you never really know which one to adopt depending upon whom you are talking to.

Here are a few words to get you started in Krio and Temne:

Hello                                        Kushe-oh                              Seke

How are you?                         Aw di body?                          To pe mu-a?

I’m fine, how are you?          Di bodi fine, aw uself?        Min yenki

What’s your name?               We yu nem?                          Nges uhmu-a?

My name is                            Ah nem                                  Mine yi

I’m from                                 Ah komot                              I wur

Pleased to meet you             Ah gladi foh meet yu           I bone mi taka bap mu

Thank You                             Tenki ya                                Muhmo

Good Bye                                By By                                      Owa-o

The use of language is very diverse over here as well. As I’ve said before, the people in SaLone are really nice, the friendliest I have ever met. But they are more direct in their approach and though extremely polite, they do not use Please and Thank You much, strange compared to how I was brought up.

They also enjoy a conversation just for the simple reason of talking to someone, not for any particular point. In one sense this is incredible and makes them the magnificent people they are, but then you think to yourself do you want something, what was that talk about and they repeat this a lot.

Body language is also something strange to get used to, people will stare at you, but as soon as you smile or say hello their face will light up as if you have made their day.

A lot of handshakes go on, whether you have just met, said something funny or that they like, even just because it has been five minutes since the last handshake!

One thing I do find annoying though is the sort of raspberry blowing kissing noise many young people make. It is only to get you attention (without shouting aporto) but to me it sounds so cheeky, but I will get over it.

Many people cannot understand and use the name Mark, so instead I am either called Bark, Aporto, White boy, my football name is O’Shea and my African name is Abu.

Blog 9 Nosdo FC

Those who know me, know I love playing football, I play a few times a week back home and so I was keen to do so over in SaLone.

I was desperate to get a game at Wusuum Field, Makeni’s stadium, which is home to the Wusuum Stars and is the only pitch in SL that is artificial. Though it is used sparingly as they like to keep it in good condition.

Instead I found a team called Nosdo FC (the name comes from a local sponsor) because of our housekeeper Alusine, a 22-year-old left winger who lists Ryan Giggs as his favourite player and is a huge Manchester United fan (Daza Robins will be happy) has played for them for quite a few years.

Alusine took me along to a training session and introduced me to his teammates and their coach Cisse, a really canny, young lad who is very softly spoken but heavy on discipline and religion.

They were all fantastic lads; they let me join in and shared a few jokes with me, typical white man banter.

The warm-up itself was brutal, although most of it was just jogging and stretching, in this heat it took a lot of energy and I had to work hard to keep up.

We played a game of 2-touch possession, it was tough! Every single player seemed to have so much pace, like I was playing against a million Walcott’s and with my touch not being the greatest I ended up doing what I do best and kicking people.

It did not help that the ground we were playing on had huge rocks everywhere and was really dusty, so to change direction took about 10 minutes. Plus the ball was like a bloody stone. These lads were used to it, even if some of them were wearing jelly shoes to play in.

Anyway after a few sessions and few games, Cisse said the lads were impressed and happy for me to come along to train and share my thoughts on football. That keeps me happy.

To keep Nosdo FC happy I gave them a gift….. a new strip. 12 red and white Sunderland shirts (thanks again to everyone who donated them). They all loved the tops and are so far unbeaten when playing in them. Ha’way the Lads, Ha’way the Nosdo.