Monday 12th July

 early start we headed off to...

The day began at 6.15am with another early run but my 10km looked very weak compared to Eirya's 18km... Today we left Iki Iki to visit the first 3 branches on the route of the run. We travelled up to Kapchorwa in the hills of Mount Elgon and the last major town before the Kenyan border via the hills. As we arrived at the branch we were welcomed by Branch Co-ordinator, Chairman of the board and other active volunteers. We looked at their current plans for the run and how we would launch it on the 19th July, which would be a 2km warm up run around the town.... I have been told that the best coffee in Uganda comes from this area so on our return we will be buying the odd bean!! As we were discussing the plans "Small" from the local radio arrived and interviewed us about the run and the plans for first aid activities.

We travelled down the hills hearing about the lives lost due to road accidents along this route and discuss how helpful this project will be. We also realised that the run on day one would be full of hard hills and steep down hills, so deep heat will needed in the evening. We then visited Soronko branch and met the 30 volunteers who were already getting the training on FA (supported by the project) and heard about how they will be educating others along the route. The branch will use the funds we have given to train trainers who will then educate communities in first aid and roadsafety. It was also highted that they will also be painting Zebra crossings for the community.

We finished our tour at Mbale with a meeting with the chairman and branch co-ordinator. The plans are going very well and they are planning a run around the town when we arrive to support the awareness of the project.