This archive report was first published on 13 December 2021.
On December 12, 2021, the inaugural Red Bull Quicksand 1.6km challenge took place at Kongo River Beach in Diani, Kwale County, attracting over 300 participants from across the world.
Ali Matano, a 21-year-old footballer and fitness enthusiast, emerged as the men's champion, clocking 7.00 in the grueling 1.6km race. Matano, who plays for Football Kenya Federation Division One side Green Marine FC, attributed his victory to his rigorous training regimen, which includes playing football and running 2km road races twice a week.
Matano praised his rival Jeremiah Ambani, who came in second with a time of 7.08, for being a worthy opponent. 'The greatest lesson I learnt from the race is that you have to be self-motivated and self-inspired in order to bring out the warrior in you,' Matano said.
Sofia Nekesa, a 32-year-old mother of one from Diani, won the women's category with a time of 9.05. Nekesa, who runs 10km every morning along the Diani Beach Road, credited her top-notch fitness level for helping her endure the challenging event.
Red Bull Quicksand 1.6km challenge selected men's result:
- 1. Ali Matano - 7.00
- 2. Jeremiah Ambani - 7.08
- 3. James Mwaura - 7.50
- 4. Suleiman Said - 8.01
- 5. Ismail Premji - 8.20
Red Bull Quicksand 1.6km challenge selected women's result:
- 1. Sofia Nekesa - 9.05
- 2. Dominic Kremer (Netherlands) - 10.05
- 3. Eunice Atati - 10.26
- 4. Lucy Wamalwa - 10.46
- 5. Vivian W. Hillier - 11.14
The event was held under extreme weather conditions, with runners facing both rain and scorching sun. The course involved tackling sandy climbs and trenches, testing the competitors' endurance and speed.
Steven Maikweki, Sports Marketing Manager at Red Bull, explained that the event was part of a series held in six countries, including Japan, South Africa, Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. 'On top of the obvious challenges that come with running on sand - runners expend 1.6 times more energy on sand than running on a road surface,' Maikweki said.
Hamisi Mwandaro, a representative of the Kwale County Government, noted that the event would help market Diani as a tourist destination when held annually.
