[Editor’s Note: This month’s Community Voices article was written by iRunFar reader and runner, Seth Luxenberg, who works for the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The views expressed in this article are the author’s and do not reflect the views of the U.S. Government.]
I’m 10 kilometers right into a 15k race in western Côte d’Ivoire. I’m beginning to fade because the humidity is round 80%, though fortunately it’s not as sizzling as a typical race in tropical Côte d’Ivoire, as we’re working within the hills surrounding the long-lasting “Tooth of Man” mountain. A farmer strolling in the other way on the identical path presents me a contemporary mango from his sack. I’m unsure why, however I say “no.” Turning down that mango is my largest remorse from this race, however I definitely don’t remorse coming to western Côte d’Ivoire to run on farm paths between mango timber and cassava farms.
In 2021, a gaggle of Ivoirian mates got here up with the concept for the Ivoire Path. I lately sat down with three of those mates, Judith Bidy, Kangoute Saindou, and Claver Gballou, to debate this mission’s origins, challenges, and accomplishments. They weren’t path runners, only a group of younger professionals who preferred sports activities and observed that there weren’t any organized path races in West Africa between South Africa and Senegal. As Ivoirians, they know that their nation is roofed in paths which are good for path working.
The group of mates who based Ivoire Path. Photograph: Ivoire Path
A lot of the nation is roofed in small farm plots, often round three to 5 acres. Côte d’Ivoire is generally identified for cocoa, because it produces round 40% of the world’s provide (though that provide is threatened by irregular rainfall on account of local weather change), however there are many cassava, rubber, and palm farms to run by as properly. Naturally, farmers have created paths to get to their farms and these paths make the right programs for path runs.
The group of mates began organizing races on these paths by the villages in 2021. They arrange practically one race monthly, and they’re but to repeat a course and even return to the identical village. I’ve participated in seven races and each time there’s something new: a herd of cattle going the alternative method, a collection of difficult stream crossings the morning after a tough rain, a farming household shocked to see us miles from any village, or a farmer providing a contemporary mango.
Many of the races are inside an hour’s drive of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s financial capital. Nonetheless, yearly the organizers attempt to host a marquee race some place else within the nation. Final yr’s was in western Côte d’Ivoire circling the “Tooth of Man.” Future marquee races may very well be in nationwide parks or goal fascinating components of the nation.
Runners having fun with the woodland trails on an Ivoire Path race. Photograph: Eloïne Barry
The primary race in 2021 attracted round 50 individuals they usually have grown steadily since then — the October 2024 race had round 300 individuals. It’s a various group too, with round 5 to 10% Ivoirians, however a number of individuals from elsewhere in Africa, particularly Morocco and Tunisia, in addition to massive teams from France and Lebanon and small teams from different nations.
It takes a number of work to arrange these races. These volunteer organizers have to develop the programs, arrange support stations in distant areas (they supply wages for round 30 individuals per race), and on this age of social media, take pictures of the individuals. The help stations have fruit and water and are often at factors alongside the course that may be accessed by bike. My favourite a part of each race is the ice-cold native juices served on the end line: Ivoirian spins on hibiscus, lemon, ginger, and tamarind.
A fast group shot underneath the gantry earlier than and Ivoire Path race will get underneath method. Photograph: Brian Pendergast
It’s been a pleasure to observe this cool, scrappy group create a brand new course practically each month, and enhance their group every time. The payoff is incredible. Racing amongst the cocoa timber; what may very well be higher?
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A hut on the route of an Ivoire Path race.
