The Amazing Maasai ULTRA

Our Amazing Story

 

The people you meet on an Amazing race can change your life....

In the spring of 2010, "Maasai Warriors" Paul and Francis received a phone call from China. A few weeks later, they were aboard an international flight to Shanghai, where they would participate in the Emmy Award-Winning Chinese-version of the television seriesThe Amazing Race, China Rush. Along with nine other teams from all over the world, Paul and Francis would compete in mental, luck, strength and transportation challenges throughout 12 amazing cities in China.  

 

Hailing from the marathon nation of Kenya, Francis and Paul like to run. Fellow contestants Sarah and Molly run ultra-marathons throughout Asia, and the two teams soon became fast friends. When the group decided to collaborate together,  an idea was born to found an ultra-distance event in Kenya in support of Maasai girl's education in Kenya.
 

In fall 2010, the contestants from The Amazing Race-- now Amazing friends--hosted a Safari Party in Shanghai to raise scholarship funds and kick-start the race efforts. In one evening, the Amazing friends raised over $8000 for Paul and Francis' charity. In summer 2011, the Amazing friends will be reunited in the Kenya bush for in their second Amazing Race-- this time, the Amazing Maasai Ultra!

 

 "MAASAI WARRIORS" Paul and Francis

 

 

 

Paul, a game ranger, and Francis, a social worker, met while grazing cattle as young boys in Kenya's Great Rift Valley. Not only is this their first trip to China, but also the first time either of them has left East Africa. But don't underestimate these Masai Warriors, as their commitment to their communities demonstrates they have the dedication and ambition to win it all.

Name Paul Lebeneiyo
Nationality Kenya
"Kenyan-born Paul Lebeneiyo is a married father of a 1 yr old baby boy. A member of Kenya's Masai tribe, Paul currently works as a wildlife ranger. Paul has never been outside of East Africa and is looking forward to travelling across China for China Rush."
Name Francis Merinyi
Nationality Kenya
"Friend of Paul, Kenyan Francis is 31 years old, married with two young children. The teammates met 15 years ago while they were grazing animals. He is currently doing social work with children in Maasai and has previously been employed as a community development administrator."

 

"ULTRAMARATHONERS" Sarah and Molly

 

 

 

 Longtime running partners, Molly and Sarah have competed together in multiple 100km ultra-marathons throughout Asia. Through running they have developed a solid friendship rooted in discipline, dedication and determination. With their racer's instincts and ability to go the distance? These two runners have their sights set on crossing the final finish line.

 

 

 

 

 

Name Sarah Edson
Nationality UK
"British-born Sarah Edson has traveled around Europe and some cities in China. Graduating with a First Class degree from Bristol University, she is now the Marketing Manager for a language education company. Before this job, Sarah worked in sales, public relations and was also an English teacher."
Name Molly Fitzpatrick
Nationality USA
"American-born marathon runner Molly Fitzpatrick has known her teammate Sarah for two and a half years. They’re teammates, friends and competitors and have competed and run together in several marathons and ultra-marathons. She’s currently working in development initiatives between Africa and China."  

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