| Organizer | Nairobi Hash House Harriers (NH3) |
| When | Annually in June |
| Where | Ngong Hills. Starts near Ngong Police Station and ends at Kona Baridi, then done in the opposite direction on alternate years. |
| Distance | 14km |
| Type | Trail run |
| Duration | 1-3 hours |
| Difficulty | Extreme. You need to be in a reasonable physical condition for this run. |
The Ngongathon is a 14km timed racing event organized annually by the Nairobi Hash House Harriers on a trail that leaves runners questioning their sanity as they take on a series of hills, each seemingly higher than the last, with severely cold winds compounding their agony. On alternate years, the run starts near Ngong Police Station, goes over the knuckle (the four killer hills forming part of the Ngong Hills range), and finishes at Kona Baridi on Magadi Road. The other years, it is done in the opposite direction.
The Ngong Hills are on the outskirts of Nairobi, rising from an altitude of 2000m above sea level at its base, to an elevation of 2460m at their highest peak. From the top of the ridge, you get stunning views of the Great Rift Valley to the west, and a great view of the Nairobi City to the east on a clear day.
The Ngongathon is held in the month of June every year, and attracts a wide range of participants looking to test their endurance and strength. It is a grueling run that is not for the faint hearted. The temperatures at Kona Baridi can get pretty chilly, adding to the agony and torture participants in this race face. The jury is still out on which is more difficult between this run and the annual Mt Kenya Run. Participate in the next Ngongathon and decide for yourself.
Here is what other enthusiasts are saying about Ngongathon:
Ngongathon 2010 – a beautiful race
Other Running Events in Kenya
- Kisumu World AIDS Marathon
- Peter Mulei Machakos Road Race
- Lewa Safaricom Marathon
- Parklands Sports Club Run
- Mt Kenya Run
