LETHBRIDGE – It’s been nearly 11 years since Kip Kangogo stepped on a plane for the very first time and flew from Kenya to Lethbridge.
Little did he know his around-the-world trek to run cross-country at Lethbridge College would lead him to his new life.
“I started to fall in love with this country, I fell in love with the people and I fell in love with the lifestyle,” remembers Kangogo. “So I said, ‘know what? Why not make this your permanent home?'”
The transition wasn’t seamless. Homesickness, snow and other factors temporarily slowed his enthusiasm.
“It was tough,” said Kangogo. “The food is not the same as what I used to have in Kenya and I was just trying to adjust myself to this new environment.”
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He estimates it took him about six months to really feel comfortable in Canada. His Lethbridge College career lasted just one season, winning a national championship, before heading to the NCAA to compete, first for Brigham Young University in Utah then at Texas Christian University.
Once his post-secondary career was done he returned to Lethbridge, and set about making his Canadian allegiance permanent. He earned his citizenship in April, 2014.
“That’s what I wanted,” said Kangogo. “I have to have my citizenship, so that it can allow me to run for my country.”
Back when he first came to Lethbridge Kangogo promised himself he would one day represent Canada in competition. A thank you gift to his adopted home.
“So, my dream is coming true,” said Kangogo with a smile. In June he was named to team Canada for the Pan American Games in Toronto, earning one of two spots in the marathon. It’s a day he will never forget.
“It was like getting married again,” beams Kangogo. “It was wonderful, it was exciting. There was this one happiness inside of me. It’s a new day and I love it.”
The 35-year-old was a latecomer to the sport, only beginning to take running seriously in his early-20s and not pursuing the marathon until well into his 30s. But he’s not slowing down. After the Pan Am Games he hopes to qualify for the 2016 Olympics.
But, for now Kangogo is happy to bask in the glow of finally wearing the maple leaf. “When I wear that jersey, and I’m in the starting line, and the gun goes off, I know I’m running for my country.”
Kangogo competes in the Pan Am Games on Saturday, July 25.
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