Liberia: Running in the Rain - Posts from a 10K Participant

Liberia Marathon
Runners train ahead of the marathon and 10K race in Monrovia.
28 August 2011
allAfrica.com
blog By Boakai Fofana

Monrovia — The first marathon to be held in Liberia took place today. Boakai Fofana, who manages AllAfrica's Monrovia office, was one of the runners in the 10 kilometer section of the race. He filed updates on Facebook prior to the start - and at the end.

All set to run Liberia's first marathon this morning. Along with me in the 10k category are a number of young athletes, but I also see dignitaries, including U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield.

10k race starts at the J F kennedy memorial hospital, Liberia's largest referral hospital.

Finish line is at SKD sports stadium where awards will be given by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

A lot of runners still coming to be checked in. Folks from Buchanan Renewables, BHP Billiton, Samaritan's Purse etc are all dressed up in their companies wears and warming up.

Full marathon started already. 10k starts at 8:30 local.

A rather wet day - a lot of expats too. You would think some are professional athletes. I'm not intimidated:-).

The marathon runners are slowly approaching the finished line. 10k starts in 15 minutes.

Now raining cats and dogs - a blessing or a curse?

Wow! President Sirleaf just joined us. Walking with us to the start line.

Athletes cheering the president and walking with her to start the race.

About to start. President amongst the runners. Is she running?

We are warming up. Street is cleared. In the crowd with the president. Not much security. It's fun!

I'm off for now. President Sirleaf is running!

I have made it to the finish line.

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