"Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24
"I have finished the race." 2 Timothy 4:7

In the above passage and others across the bible, Scripture compares the Christian life to a race, and indeed there is much we can learn from running, as Josephine Muinde, a sister in Nairobi's Middle East region did, when she participated in the 10km race at last year's Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon, which is one leg of a worldwide series of marathons - and 20km and 10km races - known as the Greatest Race On Earth. Josephine (pictured left) shares the lessons that she learnt from the run as she perseveres and succeeds in what truly is the greatest race on earth - Christianity.

They say marathons are long. Tough. Challenging. Inspiring. Satisfying. And strangely addictive. It is one thing to have the morale and psyche to take part in the race, but it is a totally different thing to actually run and most importantly to finish the race. I learned this hard lesson not so long ago when I participated in the Standard Chartered Nairobi International Marathon, dubbed The Greatest Race On Earth, on the 29th of October 2006 as part of a team of staff of HOPE worldwide Kenya, which organization I thank for its support and sponsorship. The great race is all about pushing yourself to your limits. Except for the pain and aches in my muscles, I am glad that my colleagues and I were a part of this great but interesting event.

As the countdown to the now famous marathon began, I was really up-beat and all set to run and prove that I was still fit and committed to make a difference in helping alleviate the pain of the less privileged in our country. (Money raised through the event goes to an eye clinic in Kikuyu) A day before the marathon, I was gripped by anxiety yet I could feel myself getting excited at the same time.

I couldn't wait for the big day to come. A few tips from my colleagues proved quite timely as we discussed the dos and don'ts for the run. We had registered for the 10kms category. (Josephine is pictured, right, with two other disciples who ran the race, George Khisa and Sharon Maundu)

For a long time, I have not seen such a huge crowd as was witnessed this day. People of all ages and sizes came either to run or just be a part of this great event. Truly it was a sight to behold. We were flagged off at around 7 in the morning. I gave it my best, though I have to admit I found the going tough as the race progressed. But my fellow runners and I urged each other on. I pressed on and gladly I finally finished the race with at least 2 thousand people ahead of me! I couldn't help but think of the words of Hebrews 12:1 where the writer urges us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. I felt like a champion when I was crowned with a beautiful medal as an appreciation for my effort in running and finishing this challenging race.

There are many lessons to learn in a challenging race like the Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon. Of importance is the test of our character. It clearly offers a check on our inner strength and perseverance. I'm glad I had this wonderful experience first hand. This is a vital lesson to embrace if one is to run in a race. It takes a lot of focus and perseverance to run a race. Without this, it's virtually impossible to do it.

Another equally important lesson is that for one to run in a race and indeed finish, you must subscribe to discipline. This entails making every effort to accomplish your mission regardless of the hardships or risks involved. Discipline is an area we must all constantly work on if we are to remain relevant and true to our cause. Discipline and integrity are inseparable and can make or break any man regardless of their physical strength.

Third, physical fitness is a call we should all embrace. It is not only good for our psychological well-being but also very necessary for the physical too. It's good to exercise prior to and after a race to avoid pain and ache on the muscles. How my muscles ached several hours after the race! I vowed that come another race, I will be an exercise guru.

As we sat at the stadium after the race to hear words of encouragement from one of my colleagues who had participated, we all felt proud that we had decided to run despite the challenges involved. Looking back today, I feel proud that my participation in this race has brought a smile to faces and made a positive difference in their lives. Most importantly, I learned valuable lessons in life.

Editor's note: the lessons shared here - input from others, character, discipline, fitness - are to be grasped and studied out from Scripture as we run the Christian race in such a way as to get the crown that will last forever.