Would you run the London Marathon to provide water for your 
village, like the Maasai warriors, who have flown thousands of miles here to do just that next weekend?
It is such a touching story that I would not be surprised if a generous philanthropist gets out his cheque book to meet the £60,000 bill.
But I’m sure that would not be the same for this proud tribe who are supporting the conservation charity Greenforce to get a clean water well installed in their village.
This is the first time the six Maasai warriors have left their remote village. It must be an incredible culture shock. Where they come from, two out of every three children in their village die before the age of five. It is an extraordinary story.
I saw them on Breakfast TV this morning when they showed us the two-year-old shoes they would be wearing made from car tyres, and said they would sing and dance their way along the route carrying their spears – unless the police prevent this as it would be carrying an offensive weapon!
It will probably be a piece of cake for them, they are used to running long distances, as Chief Isaya, 24, said:
"I sometimes run for two or three days when I am with my cattle, and I have to protect them from dangerous animals – like lions. I do not think the marathon will be difficult for us – our shoes are made of car tyres and they are very comfortable."
It’s a very humbling story, the fact that a community needs clean water so much that these selfless men travel a vast distance to a strange 
country to run a marathon to promote their cause. It’s so ingenious and brave of them. It reminds me of Crocodile Dundee when Paul Hogan travels to New York after living in the Australian backwater and is a fish out of water.
I was very amused to read about how the Maasai’s have taken a liking to the British cuppa, filling their cups with 10 teaspoons of sugar per brew! As well as Cocoa Pops. They have already developed a very sweet tooth and I hope it won’t affect their performance on Sunday.
I also wonder if Nike or Adidas will give them some trainers to take home. Would they wear as well as their shoes made from car tyres?
And good luck to Tory Radio too who is also competing in the London Marathon, I hope he manages to get an interview with the warriors en route.
Wow.
Certainly makes you think.
With that much sugar a little support from the Dental association might be more appropriate!
On a serious note I think what they, and Greenforce, are doing is fantastic and I wish them every success.
I think maybe yes I would do that if I was sure the water would get back to the community.
I.C. I’m also concerned about their teeth. I can’t imagine what kind of dental care they have back home.
James, that’s a most impressive gesture of yours.
Maybe Welshcakes will have to do something like this to get a regular and reliable water supply in Sicily. 😉
Those Maasai guys will win the Marathon walking!!
I think it is something of an indictment on humanity that they are obliged to do do that.
But I love the shoes, I think we could lesson a lesson or two about recycling from them!
Jeremy, yes, you should know after your visit to their homeland.
Maalie, it just goes to show how resourceful these people are. I think those shoes are fantastic, far better than the plastic Crocs which are a craze over here at the moment, or were last year.
That is an incredible story!
Amazing – and thankfully they won’t be carrying their spears (I hope).
They will certainly be much swifter than me. Anyone who wants to help out the St John Ambulance who do a great job – not least during the 26 miles of the marathon course can do so here:-
http://www.justgiving.com/jonathansheppard2008
Wonderful story Ellee, I hope that they are successful with their quest.
I take my hat off to them. I’m afraid I would be incapable of running a marathon!
this is incredible really!!!!