On 24 July last year, 36-year-old Ugandan-born Deo Kato began his brave journey of running from Cape Town to London – no less than 14,569 kilometers.
Kato is now some 300 days into his epic endeavour, and has covered more than 9000k and close to 6300m of elevation. His aim? To tell the story of human migration from Africa to the rest of the world.
Kato believes Africa’s history has been mistold, explaining: “Going on this journey is important because it matters to tell our history from an African. Humans were first discovered on the continent of Africa. I will also show the next generation that nothing is impossible. If you can see it and believe it, you can become it.”
A race against time
When Kato first began his epic challenge, he aimed to complete it in 381 days – the same number of days that African Americans in Alabama staged the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955 – but a number of setbacks put him behind schedule.
From heatstroke, to not being able to fuel correctly (finding vegan food has been ‘one of the biggest challenges’), to trouble crossing borders and acquiring visa and paperwork – which has meant retracing steps and extra miles – not to mention the mental and physical strain the challenge presents on a daily basis.
But there have been beautiful moments too: Kato has been joined by many supporters and tribes, he has seen beautiful scenery and wildlife, and with each step he gets to spread his message that bit further.
In a recent instagram post, Kato shared: “It’s been a minute, and it’s been a struggle. My My first attempt to enter South Sudan didn’t go as planned, and things went wrong quickly. South Sudan threw a curve ball and another, making it hard to focus. I have to remind myself that I don’t have the energy I had nine months ago, so I need to take the time I need.”
Refuelling, and cake
Retreating from South Sudan to Uganda (albeit temporarily) was tough, but powerfully, I found calm and focused on the positives. Here are some highlights:
➡️ Uganda was close and familiar. It was a no-brainer to return, reset, and plan differently. In any other country, this wouldn’t have been as easy.
➡️ Fuelling properly again has been a relief. As we’ve been working behind the scenes to make a plan to go forward, I have been able to fuel well and regain strength. I even found some vegan cake, which was heaven 🍰 IYKYK
➡️ Time is precious, and we need time to assess and make the right decision moving forward. I’ve filled my cup, regained clarity and gone deep with my “why”. The time in Uganda (take two) allowed for that. 🙌🏿
Tomorrow we go again! 🖤”
Handing the Baton #runforsudan
Due to the escalating war in Sudan, Kato is unable to run his planned route, so will be ‘handing the baton’ over to a group of around 120 runners at the next border, some 950k away, who will #runforsudan.
Leaving the baton in very capable hands, Kato will travel to northern Sudan where it borders Egypt, and take the baton back, before continuing his journey to London.
The team expect to see Kato in London mid-late November.
