People in the personal development universe often talk about doing ‘whatever it takes’ – to change your life, create your vision, or live your passion.

Unfortunately, folks are usually comfortable with their lives and they can slowly lose their verve to slip into the routines of old.  Their is no visceral need for change, no life altering panic to do so.  If someone told you that your children would die if you didn’t produce $1,000,000 within a year, nothing – absolutely nothing – would get in your way.

But working towards becoming a millionaire so you don’t have to work a 9-5 schedule, or you can buy a bigger home and better things, isn’t as compelling.  It isn’t a need.

What if your motivation was more than your dreams?  What if your motivation was the life of your family?  How far would you be willing to go?

Africa, like many places in the world, is in the middle of a water shortage.  It’s so bad in Tanzania that warriors of the Maasai travel for days searching for fresh water to bring back to their villages.  They often run with no water and no food leaving fresh blood their only alternative for sustenance and energy.

These warriors are truly motivated and really will do whatever it takes to get fresh water to their villages, to stop drought from killing their people.

A group of young warriors from Eluai village have realised that, in order to survive, they must do something. Led by Isaya, a bright and charismatic young man they have decided to take on the responsibility of bringing clean drinking water to their village. 

Retaining their pride and dignity they will run in the Flora London Marathon as ‘Maasai’, wearing their traditional clothing, jewellery and shoes made from car tyres. They will be carrying their shields and sticks just as they would if travelling across their homeland.

It’s the ultimate fundraiser.  And as the other marathoners will be downing gel packs and gulping water on their way, the Maasai will forego any water.  As the other runners are wearing their $100 athletic sneakers wicking fabrics, these guys are wearing tires strapped to their feet and full warrior dress.

“Back at home we sometimes run for 5 or 6 days, day and night,” says Isaya. “Twenty-six miles not far.”

It’s not often in this negative news age that we are able to see the triumphs of others, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

To find out more about this extraordinary event, go to http://www.maasaimarathon.org/ or see the YouTube video here.