“I’m often asked what I think about as I run. Usually, the people who ask this have never run long distances themselves. I always ponder the question,” writes Haruki Murakami in his book “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running”.
Apparently, the author didn’t have a clue, but I guess I do as I run on this black Kigali road. I am thinking that the bystanders who I call “non-runners” perhaps think that running is being crazy.
My sweat beads are rolling down my face as I pour out my hot breath and yet my heart is coping with the situation. I run faster until bystanders’ eyes no longer catch a close glimpse of me. I know what I am doing – burning calories, building a fresh mind.
It is Friday, May 13, 2022 at 6:39 p.m. I am near Gishushu roundabout. Traffic jam has already formed up a sign that the real run is about to kick off. The road that leads to Parliament is already car-free.
This is how we run: slow and free, embracing pleasant air which Kigali draws from green trees and flowers with yellow blossoms – planted in a designated area at the centre of the road.
Yes, this is Kigali Night Run and my first time attending it. I’ve been hearing about it from several sources, but I have never tasted its exuberant experience. I usually hate jogging when the sun is burning, but since it is presently asleep, it is my time to take over Kigali roads and shine.
I run towards Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) and now its lights whose dome has been lit with the national flag colours which illuminate my face. I think I’ve so far burned around 25 calories which is beneficial to my health. At this place, the vehicles have also been stopped by the police officers and a clear way has been traced for me. I feel more important.
Time check 6:55 p.m. The real run is scheduled to start in five minutes. I speed up, running in the road that passes on the right flank of KCC and in a few minutes, I reach Kigali Heights. Here comes a surreal show. The crowd is party-like. Electronic Dance Music (EDM), one of my favourite genres, is trouncing …….
Source: https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/leisure-jogging-my-own-experience-kigali-night-run