Ultrarunning for Social Impact, Across Africa and Europe: Deo Kato

Deo Kato is a runner, coach, and racial equity activist. He was born in Uganda, and at age 10 came to London, where he still lives. Today he is best known for being the first person to run from Cape Town to London. This trek began on July 24, 2023: it took Deo 518 days and he covered 8,230 miles. Previous to this huge undertaking, Deo created the 381 Days Running For Justice movement. Starting June 6, 2020, Deo set out to run 10km every day for 381 days to protest against racial injustice and inequality in society. The 381 days honors those of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-56 Alabama, USA, and the change they created on the policy of racial segregation. This initiative also encompassed Deo running from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, carrying a customized U.S. flag where each star represented a black person who had been killed by police. Deo also ran a double London Marathon to protest against police brutality in the UK, known as the Unarmed Campaign. Additionally, Deo is the Spirit of the London Marathon Award winner. In this beautiful conversation, Deo shares with Alison and Stefanie his running background, how he conceived of and prepared for his incredible journey, what he encountered along the way, and the powerful takeaways that have settled with him since completing his journey. This is an absolute not to miss episode! As they always do, co-hosts Alison and Stefanie bring their vast experience as runners and racial equity advocates to this conversation, along with their deep respect and curiosity about Deo's astonishing journey. EARTHMOVERS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthmoverspodcast/ Our Season 1 Presenting Sponsor Thank you to our presenting sponsor ALTRA. Find them at altrarunning.comFrom this Episode Deo Kato on Instagram: @deorunsDeo Kato on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deokDeo Kato on TikTok: @deoruns EARTHMOVERS HostsVerna NezBegay Volker: Runner, mother, community builder, public speaker, and racial equity activist from the Navajo Nation, Volker is the founder of Native Women Run, an organization that began as a virtual community and is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. @hozhorunner4Alison Mariella Désir: Runner, mountain climber, mother, community builder, and racial equity activist, Désir is the author of the groundbreaking book Running While Black and the host of the award winning PBS TV show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir. @alisonmdesirStefanie Flippin: Professional ultra trail runner, running coach, podcaster, writer, racial equity activist, and a foot and ankle surgeon, Flippin is the 2021 USATF 100-mile road champion and course record holder, and she’s the 6th fastest all-time American woman at the 100-mile distance. @stefanieannflippin