"I am excited to embark on this run. I've been training for months now and when I completed my first 70km back in January, I knew I would be ready," Mbugua says.
He adds: "For me, sports is more than just accomplishing the unimaginable, it's about using those fetes to turn people's attention towards important things like health and climate."
Border to Border started when Mbugua run through Athi River in 2023. Discussing the trials and triumphs of his run, which was to end in Mombasa, Mbugua and Mona Ombogo discussed possibilities of him running in partnership with the Rotary Club of Athi River.
"We did not have an actual cause locked at the time. But after bringing this project to the club, it became clear that one of the things causes we wanted to drive was protecting the environment, trees to be exact. We live in a dry belt, and every time there is a drought, Athi River and Ukambani at large, are hit hard," Mona says.
She adds: "Running to give alternative energy sources and protect our trees stood out as a worthy cause to fuel."
Border to Border will flag off on April 26, 2024, at Watamu Primary School in Kilifi County and will be officiated by Rotary District 9212, top leader, District Governor Leonard Itahu.
"Our district governor called us to bigger, more impactful projects this year. Climate is no longer something we can use as a buzz word, we must join hands and actively change the tide. Droughts are hitting us too often, too hard. We are losing wildlife in Athi-Kapiti belt, scores of people are losing livestock, starvation and hunger looms all the time for many," Mona says.
Other partners like the Enda Athletic: Run Kenya will provide the athletes with running gear.
"We are calling on all who support a green Kenya to join us in this nationwide campaign," says project lead Linus Okite.