On November 5, 2011, Julius Achon returned to his former primary school, Orum Primary in Orum, Uganda, where he and a group of Portland-based Nike volunteers hosted a Nike sponsored cross country meet with more than 1000 children attending. The event was a huge success, as competitors, teachers, school officials and families walking miles each way to attend the Achon Run were treated to 7 races (3 boys, 3 girls, and a combined high school race) with 21 schools represented and a total of 1,200 kids running.
Each runner received a custom Nike Dri-fit shirt designed for the event, with trophies and prizes (useful items like plates and utensils) awarded to the top three finishers in each race. Julius, his former high school coach Chris Mugisha, and Nike representatives Chris and Erin Cook, Tim Schneider and Mark Lane organized and conducted the event. Julius and Chris estimated the total crowd, including spectators, at 6,000! Fortunately 1,000 kilos of beans and 1,000 kilos of rice were purchased the week prior and everyone was fed. Julius notes that the goal of the run, the first of its kind in the 20+ years since civil war broke out in the North, is to inspire children in the area and encourage them to continue in sports, to produce the next generation of Julius Achons from this war-torn region.
Pamela Parsons says:
I was inspired by the article in Runner’s World magazine to visit this site, and I want to support Achon. I an wondering why the photo above of the Nike race doesn’t seem to have girls running? Or is just hard to tell. I am curious.
aucf says:
Thank you for your support, Pamela. We’re very excited about the article in Runner’s World. The races held in Uganda were evenly split between boys and girls, and Achon Uganda Children’s Fund is supportive of all children in Uganda, boys and girls. The gorgeous photo on the landing page of the website features Julius running with the little girls who ran in the first race of the day. As you note, especially with the youngest children in Uganda, it can be hard to tell girls from boys; they all wear their hair very closely cropped. But trust us…there were MANY girls running that day, and we were thrilled about that.
erin says:
I read the Runner’s World article last night. I hope many more will read and be inspired to visit the site and show their support.
Jill says:
What an incredible story. If we all donated just one pair of running shoe allowance how much better the world would be! We have so much opportunity here in usa. We take so much for granted, clean water, and running shoes.
Melinda says:
I, too, was inspired by the article in Runner’s World. Julius is an example of what everyone should be doing; putting others first.
Ranjini says:
I was touched and inspired after reading Born to Run Back. I have so much respect for you and wish I can help you with something.
angela Vargas says:
Wow!! What an inspiration Mr. Achon is to the world. We need more people like him. I was extremely inspired by his story to help the world!
Dana says:
I just read the article about Mr. Achon in Runner’s World and that inspired me to come search for his foundation’s website. He is an incredible person with a very big heart. I knew from my work experience that very little (in US standards) make a big difference in developing countries like Uganda, but I was astonished to find out that $100 can feed 11 children for a whole month, which only equates to many people’s monthly budget of latte´. I hope many people will read the article and will be inspired to give during the holiday season and thereafter.
Edward W. McIntyre says:
I have posted this website on Facebook and Twitter. I’ve upload the Runners’ World story to both sites. Please encourage everyone to do likewise. Let the story & dream go virtual. Today I’ve put my first check in the mail to the Achon Uganda Children’s Fund. Together We Can!
Paul Beck says:
Great story about Julius’ life and struggles to help himself while focusing so much on others. Post the story on facebook and twitter to help spread the word even further. We should all desire to be better!
Kiah says:
I was so inspired by the article in RW. I would like to do what I can to sport Anchon and his cause. It is my hope that other readers are also inspired by his story, and the word is spread about this selfless man. I, too, live in Portland and I hope that some day I have the opportunity to meet him.
Keisa says:
I am so inspired by Julius’ story. What is so frustrating is that for the first time, I cannot properly articulate how I feel or how I want to react, except maybe to give Julius a hug some day and tell him that I aspire to do as much good for others as he has already done.
Maryline says:
What an incredible journey, I too will do my best to spread the word about the wonderful work of AUCF. Keep it up everyone, and never give up!!!!! What a lifesaving mission, you can count on my support.
Take care.
Jennifer says:
After reading the article about Julius in Runner’s World, I felt compelled to visit his website and to support his cause. His beautiful story of success, compassion, and sacrifice is an example to all that we can make a difference.