Giving back: Reid Coolsaet distributes running gear to locals in Kenya
Canadian marathon runner Reid Coolsaet went around a local community in Kenya handing out apparel and footwear on behalf of a Canadian charity.
Canadian marathon runner Reid Coolsaet took some time between training recently to hand out some brand new swag to local runners in Kenya. The Guelph, Ont. resident is in Iten, Kenya for a training camp this winter.
RELATED: Canada’s two best marathoners calling Iten, Kenya home for the winter.
The 36-year-old handed out gear on behalf of Connecting Countries, a charity based in Hamilton, Ont. that “enhances education in Canadian and Kenyan schools through student-centered programs.”
The program supports educational environments including physical facilities, curricular and infrastructure needs, and the health and safety of students.
.@NewBalanceCan loaded me up with gear to distribute to Kenyan runners on behalf of @CCAAS_Hamilton #NBgivesback pic.twitter.com/jxMIzGeoRl
— Reid Coolsaet (@ReidCoolsaet) February 21, 2016
New Balance, one of Coolsaet’s sponsors, provided local runners and students with apparel including jackets, hoodies and half-zips as well as footwear. According to Coolsaet, some locals are beginning to refer to him as Chuck Norris, a famous American martial artist and actor.
Coolsaet is training for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Rio. He’s the second fastest Canadian marathon runner in history thanks to a 2:10:28 clocking at the BMW Berlin Marathon this past September.
See more of Reid’s adventures below and through his Instagram page (highly recommended).