[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 operating within the hills surrounding the long-lasting “Tooth of Man” mountain. A farmer strolling in the other way on the identical path gives 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 actually 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 pals got here up with the concept for the Ivoire Path. I lately sat down with three of those pals, Judith Bidy, Kangoute Saindou, and Claver Gballou, to debate this venture’s origins, challenges, and accomplishments. They weren’t path runners, only a group of younger professionals who favored sports activities and seen 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 can be excellent for path operating.
The group of pals 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 usually identified for cocoa, because it produces round 40% of the world’s provide (though that provide is threatened by irregular rainfall attributable to local weather change), however there are many cassava, rubber, and palm farms to run by way of as nicely. Naturally, farmers have created paths to get to their farms and these paths make the proper programs for path runs.
The group of pals began organizing races on these paths by way of the villages in 2021. They manage almost 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. Nevertheless, yearly the organizers attempt to host a marquee race elsewhere within the nation. Final 12 months’s was in western Côte d’Ivoire circling the “Tooth of Man.” Future marquee races could possibly be in nationwide parks or goal attention-grabbing elements 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 and so they 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 numerous folks from elsewhere in Africa, particularly Morocco and Tunisia, in addition to giant teams from France and Lebanon and small teams from different nations.
It takes loads 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 folks per race), and on this age of social media, take images 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 below the gantry earlier than and Ivoire Path race will get below method. Photograph: Brian Pendergast
It’s been a pleasure to observe this cool, scrappy group create a brand new course almost each month, and enhance their group every time. The payoff is incredible. Racing amongst the cocoa timber; what could possibly be higher?
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A hut on the route of an Ivoire Path race.