Cross-country at Karura Forest

By PHARES MUTEMBEI

 Children from the Oshwal Academy held their yearly cross-country championships inside the Karura Forest recently, with the aim of showing their love for the environment.

The junior race involved the Year Three and Year Four pupils, who ran a thrilling three-kilometre race while the older pupils covered a distance of 6.5 kilometres. Krishna Gajjar ran the race of her life to win the junior race.

“As I approached the finish line, I could hear my name being called out, so I increased my speed and finished. I have to admit, though, that I was extremely tired!” said Krishna. “It helped that I love trees. They, after all, give us shade, fruits and medicine,” she added.

 The children and their teachers took the cross-country race into Karura Forest because they wanted to raise awareness among more people, especially their parents, about the benefits of environment Conservation.

“When we informed our parents that the races would be held in Karura Forest, they left their jobs because they wanted to come have fun, breathe fresh air, and see us run,” said Zayan Pema, who came third in the Year three and Four boys race. “It was beautiful to run inside the forest. I just got tired a little because I tried so hard to win.”

 According to the school Principal, Chinmoy Banerjee, the children understand the benefits of conserving forests. “Children love to plant trees and take care of them by watering them. They are the best protectors of our environment,” he said.

Tanana Shirol was second in the Year 3 and 4 races, followed by Zaira Velerio. “It was tough, that is why I didn’t win,” said Tanana. In the Year Three and Four boys race, Salman Anwar won with Qaisar Lalani coming in second. In the Year Five and Six category, Suheila Kherdin won and exclaimed to this writer, “I am happy because I won in my favourite place, the forest,” She was followed by Vidhi Patel and Shruti Varsani. Dean Pratt, Hashil Visariya and Harsh Gutka, also performed well.

Karura Forest is popular for family outings where groups enjoy walks, tree planting, bird watching, dog walking, mountain biking, horse riding and educational tours. The forest also has a lovely 15 kilometre jogging trail that has proved popular. Lucy Njoka, Karura’s education officer, says that the decision by Oshwal Academy to use the forest as its cross country site goes a long way to aid conservation efforts.

“When people see several pupils running in the forest, they appreciate the beauty of helping in conservation efforts,” she said.