This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
On a typical Saturday morning, the Parade grounds of Manyani Maximum Prison in Taita-Taveta County come alive with hundreds of prison wardens, their spouses, and children participating in a grueling 12-kilometer run.
Organized by the prison authorities, the Manyani runs have gained popularity among the wardens and their families, who see it as a way to stay fit and bond with each other.
According to Officer-in-charge Bison Madengwa, the exercises are not only a way to enhance health benefits but also strengthen the bonds among the families living in the vast prison.
Manyani Prison is an isolated community, surrounded by the Tsavo West National Park and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Law Enforcement Academy. The prison's unique location makes it an ideal place for the family runs, which are held twice a week.
Trainers like Darius Ndombi describe the runs as the ultimate test of a body's resilience and human endurance. The punishing bush trails are dotted with obstacles like protruding roots, rocks, and double thorns, making it a challenging experience for the participants.
Despite the difficulties, the participants are determined to complete the run, with some even crawling on all fours to reach the top of the rugged rocky hills.
According to clinical officer Kelvin Wamalwa, the exercises are helpful in managing medical conditions like diabetes and High Blood Pressure. He also pointed out that some of these conditions can be fatal if one is infected with coronavirus, making it essential to manage them through rigorous exercise.
After the runs, the participants engage in extensive health talks by medics, which further emphasizes the importance of staying fit and healthy.
Published on August 4, 2020, by Wagema Mwangi.
