Top Video on MSNBC Is Feature on Somali Runners Training Each Day on 'Road of Death' For London 2012

Wow. My favorite part was when they're all watching the video for the London Olympics and you can see their determination to win in their eyes. Maybe there should be some donation / fundraiser on Letsrun.

And meanwhile our best runners are wussing out of the Pre Classic.

yippo wrote:

rojo wrote:

Maybe letsrun should sponsor them as they have like zero money and equipment.

That really just smacked me in the face. I applaud their determination.

But seriously, find out a way to make contact with these guys, I don't mind donating a couple of pairs of shoes.

I was woken up this morning at LRC headquarters by a call from Abdi Abdirahman who was calling from Flagstaff. Abdi, who was born in Somalia, was totally moved by the piece as well and wants to figure out how to help them (heactaully has met the guy featured in the video and gave him some equipment and money in Beijing).

The issue is figuring out the best way to do it - so that any donations aren't stolen and so he isn't in turn killed by thieves.

Abdi is going to try to talk to Mo Farah and see what the best course of action will be. I told Abdi I'd try to catch up with him in New York at the Healthy Kidney 10k on Saturday but I'm not sure now if I can make that race.

That's the latest update.

How about LR set up a donation site where posters can donate money/items and then collect that money and give it to a trusted person like Abdi or someone trustworthy in Somalia? I realize it might take some time but could be a start.

Also, I think in general, LR could set up a general donation site where the money/donations could be used throughout the running community ie; colleges, high altitude training camps or running community areas that could use the funding. Even if every poster or viewer could at least donate a dollar, just imagine how much that could add up!

You're not a real runner unless you've been shot at.

Very moving, thank you.

I’m Somali coach based in uk, if you guys serious about sponsor those athletes I could help you to find them. !!!!!

just a suggestion... wrote:

How about LR set up a donation site where posters can donate money/items and then collect that money and give it to a trusted person like Abdi or someone trustworthy in Somalia? I realize it might take some time but could be a start.

Also, I think in general, LR could set up a general donation site where the money/donations could be used throughout the running community ie; colleges, high altitude training camps or running community areas that could use the funding. Even if every poster or viewer could at least donate a dollar, just imagine how much that could add up!

That's not a bad idea either. Set up a Letsrun scholarship fund for post-collegiate runners struggling to get sponsorship or something.

I hear all these LR guys talking about how much money they make all the time to the point that it seems like the average LR posters makes $250k per year. Let's see 'em pony up some of that dough to support less fortunate runners like our Somalian brothers. I don't make anywhere close to six figures, and I have kids, but I'm sure I can come up with some extra dough if it helps those boys get to London.

abdi bile is all ready in north somalia , i met him in last January in Dubai , and he trying to set up foundation down there read this link http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=22581

Good read.

Iread someone writing that those guys are just running from poverty. Look at Osman, when he was 14 he had a dream of being an athlete to represent his country.

If it is running from poverty, they can as well join the pirates groups or other militia and benefit from the loots.

Someone said if I have to look at a 14:21 5ker, I have to look at myself. Interesting thought. Keep looking at yourself but no one will look at you coz your 14:21 can not be compared to 14:21 from someone training in Mogadishu environment.

The reason why Africans from impoverished areas do well is not much about running from poverty, but it is much of how much it took them to be at the world competing stage. The fire they have after reaching that pinnacle is stronger than epo. So the Italian coaches or whoever you might call them, just need to set up the stages for such athletes.

It looks like the issue is not so much shoes or equipment but rather obtaining a secure place to train properly, maybe something like the Kenyan camps?

Kenyano wrote:

Someone said if I have to look at a 14:21 5ker, I have to look at myself. Interesting thought. Keep looking at yourself but no one will look at you

well said

Abdi Bile son is also a very good runner.

Unless you pay to relocate them and their families, there's really no way they can benefit from outside aid. They're a gigantic target if they live at home and word gets out about them being sent money or goods.

This video broke my heart. Really brings into perspective the things I complain about. These guys risk their lives for pride in their country. I love the quote about "going to London with my country on my shoulders." Honestly most of us don't even like the weight of our marriage, or children, or work on our shoulders. What an amazing burden, and dream to carry a broken nation. I can't wait to help in any way that I can! "To those who have been given much, much is expected."

How do they wear long sweats in such heat?

What's the dew point?

runningsc wrote:

How do they wear long sweats in such heat?

Yeah, they even had running shorts underneath. Maybe they want to be more visible.

Do you think they do speedwork? I imagine picking it up spontaneously would look threatening.

wilfredo wrote:

The homeless guy probably does want your leftovers from McDonalds... what's your point?

Cancel/Sing wrote:

Yeah, keep telling yourself that as you make a total ass of yourself.

Do you really care about what a homeless person thinks?

I've put my unfinished large fries on the ground, near a homeless man, he picked them up and ate them. Remember, they sleep on the ground. . .

Yes, let's give the Somali's new $150 Asics. They're picky like that. I'm sure they scoff at the poor Ugandans that get the used $50 Sauconys.

haha YO wrote:

Used shoes are better than nothing moron.

Proof?