“This country is up and coming and there are few international sporting events.”

Benjamin Skolnik enjoys running in a city where there is so much happening before sunrise. He has been running the streets of Kin for years now and running the marathon this year feels like a celebration of the place he has called home.

Where are you from and what is your profession?

I’m from the United States and work in international development based here in Congo.

When did you start with running and what do you love about this sport?

I’ve always run as a soccer player since the age of five, but didn’t start running distance until signing up for a triathlon when my first child was born in 2009. I guess I’ve been working up to a marathon since Covid, when I had the time to slowly work up to longer distances. I’ve not yet run a marathon, so Kinshasa will be my first attempt.

What is your favorite place to run in Kinshasa?

I’ve lived in Kinshasa for four years and I enjoy running thorough out my neighborhood. There is so much happening in this city even before sunrise!

What about your family, are they running to?

My entire family has enjoyed the Congo River Marathon events held throughout the year. There are regular family fun runs and a few weeks before the race there is a mini marathon. Organizers hold shoe drives to collect new and used shoes to promote young runners. Join the fun!

You are running your first marathon this June 4. What motivated you to run a marathon?

I’m motivated to run the marathon partly because I’ve been running these streets for years now and it feels like a celebration of the place I’ve called home.

I am also motivated to run to support the Congo River Marathon. This country is up and coming and there are few international sporting events. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the race’s Advisory Board and I’m confident this will be the best event yet.

How is your preparation and training going?

My training is going well, though I’ve had to increase distance and intensity with care. I’m in my forties, so injury is always lurking.

Any tips and advise your want to share with the running community here?

If I can share a tip I’ve learned is to take time to hydrate and stretch. Particularly in the heat of DRC, runners should pay extra attention to drinking before, during and after racing. I love how inclusive the event is for novice and elite runners with a 10k, 21k and 42k. Hope to see everyone out there. Tokos!