Between 15 July and 6 August, a group of world champion athletes are running and walking 522 miles through Kenya's troubled North Rift Valley. They're running to raise money and awareness to kickstart a peace education programme there with Aegis Trust.

Now, I do run at my own pace from time time, but against people like Olympic gold medallists Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich and Ezekiel Kemboi, or, for that matter, multiple world-record holder Tegla Loroupe and sporting legend Haile Gebrselassie, it will feel like running up an elevator backwards.

So, I'm spreading my own 500 mile run (or walk) for peace between now and 1 November 2015.

I started in Kenya with the athletes themselves, at the start of their walk in Lodwar, Turkana County. I'll carry on with my trusty FitBit tracker wherever I find myself - Rwanda, the UK, the US… lots of travel this summer!

Why are we doing this?

Aegis has proven that peace education works in Rwanda - a country torn apart by genocide 21 years ago and now leading Africa in stability and prosperity. We want to take the unique programs we developed there, and take them to other countries in need - including Kenya.

Peace education CAN break the cycles of hatred causing violence in the North Rift Valley. Violence that in the last 18 months alone has killed hundreds and displaced thousands. Over the decades it has been taking place, it has affected millions.

The violence is driven by ethnic tension, and it's increasing. It needs to stop now, before its too late.

Read my blog post about Horizon, a little boy whose story sums up the need in the Rift Valley. Our programs are designed to help young people like him, who are most at risk of being caught up in this armed conflict. http://www.walkforpeace.co.ke/a-story-of-two-dreams-dr-james-smith/

Your support will encourage me to keep going during those 500 long miles...

Better still, join me. You can plan your own Walk for Peace here: http://www.walkforpeace.co.ke/join-us/

Thank you!