Murang’a: At first glance, Peter Kamande Githuku blends in with dozens of determined athletes sprinting through the rolling hills of Murang’a. But a closer look reveals something extraordinary: at 68 years old, the father of 12 is still pounding the tarmac alongside runners young enough to be his grandchildren, chasing his dream of becoming a marathoner of international repute. Behind the weathered face and silver hair is a man who refuses to let age define his destiny.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kamande was spotted during a local marathon, where his wiry frame and unrelenting stamina carried him steadily past the 10-kilometre mark. His eyes sparkled with the same energy that propelled him when he first signed up for the Ndakaini Half Marathon at the age of 62. He recalls, “I started running at the Ndakaini half marathon with the 10 kilometers stretches. One day I even finished number 20, and that encouraged me to keep running.”
That particular finish remains one of his proudest moments, etched deeply in his memory, as it marked the beginning of his fame. “Not only did I beat hundreds of younger runners, but for the first time in my life I saw myself on TV due to the stellar performance in that race.” His surprise and joy from the experience fueled his motivation to continue pursuing marathon running.
Since then, Kamande has participated in several marathons across the county, often challenging himself to complete 21 kilometers-a distance that many younger athletes struggle to endure. For him, running is more than a sport; it is a lifeline to health, discipline, and purpose. Kamande credits running with his good health and avoidance of substances that could affect his stability.
A father of six boys and six girls, Kamande advocates for physical exercise as essential for individuals and society. He encourages elderly men and women to join him on the road, convinced that running is a potent remedy for lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. “If aged people run, the homes will be busy because they will be engaged. They will not waste away in alcohol dens, also if you cannot run like me, you can at least walk,” he asserts.
Training regularly at Kenol’s Kimorori grounds and Thika, Kamande has become a source of inspiration for younger runners. Competing with youth presents a challenge, but it fuels his ambition rather than deterring it. “I may not be the fastest, but I am determined and even when I’m competing with the young men and women, I remind myself that age is just but a number,” he notes.
Kamande’s vision extends beyond local marathons, dreaming of competing internationally, particularly in the United States. He hopes to test his endurance on the global stage and seeks support and sponsorship to achieve this goal. His story exemplifies resilience and the transformative power of discipline, a message especially poignant in a society grappling with lifestyle-related health issues.
Medical experts have long cautioned that sedentary lifestyles contribute to a surge in non-communicable diseases. Kamande believes his journey demonstrates that consistent exercise can change lives. At nearly seven decades, his health remains robust, his mind sharp, and his resolve unshaken. As he jogs past the finish line, his breathing heavy but steady, one cannot help but admire the spirit of a man who, at 68, continues to push his limits.
