Our Story

In her remote Kenyan village she was known as Crazy Catherine for defying the conventions of a male dominated society, but to the world, she became known as Catherine the Great. Facing extreme poverty and deprivation, her unwavering faith helped her persevere towards her dream of becoming a world champion athlete and not conforming to the traditional role expected of Kenyan women. WinCatherine: The Story of Wincatherine Nyambura Ndereba is a feature-length documentary film that chronicles the journey of legendary runner Catherine Ndereba.

One of ten children, her father worked hard to afford her attendance at a boarding school where she discovered the faith that would become the guiding force in her life. Upon graduation, not knowing anything about a world of professional running, without money for shoes or a track suit, she pressed on, not letting poverty or being teased stop her from doing what she loved most, running.  Her journey took her on a path where she has become arguably the most accomplished female distance runner to date, but equally as important, she has become a role model to girls and women worldwide.

Now, at 38 years old, Catherine is still running and competing in the top races in the world. Her return to the Boston Marathon last year, as the only woman to have won that race 4 times, was unexpectedly interrupted by injury. Now she returns healthy and eager to claim her 5th win and a time that will earn her a chance to compete for a third Olympic medal next year at age 40!

This short term campaign is to raise the funds needed to film Catherine during race week at the Boston Marathon (race date April 18, 2011).

The Impact

This film is for anyone who has ever been told they cant; for anyone who has ever been teased, for girls and women throughout the world to know that they can accomplish their goals, that they are valued members of society, that they can contribute to the elimination of poverty and for everyone else to acknowledge this; for any athlete who has struggled, for teams from first grade to the professional level to watch and be inspired by hard work and determination; for those who have faith and those who have lost it.

Catherine truly believes God has given her a talent and it is her responsibility to use it to give back to others. She is a perfect example of how women can become empowered, productive members of society when provided with adequate education and opportunities to succeed.  More importantly, Catherine shows how these things can be an incredibly positive factor in reducing poverty in the community. She is now doing her part to give back and has established a foundation to build a school outside of Nairobi where children will be able to concentrate on their academics while also pursuing their athletic talents.

The opportunity to film Catherine at one of the marathons that she has become associated with is something we can't afford to miss! There are some that say Catherine's career is winding down. Catherine has proven throughout her life and career that she can never be counted out; negative thoughts only make her more determined to succeed. Filming Catherine this year in Boston will allow us to capture an important part of our story as she meets with high school students to inspire them, interacts with the other athletes and competes in the race that sealed her place in it's history. It would be a shame to miss out on her return to the Boston Marathon!

What We Need & What You Get

The funds raised during this campaign will go to paying the crew, hotel expenses, meals, transportation, equipment, logging and transferring footage and any leftover will go to editing. You will get updates and some great perks (listed on the side)! You will also be instrumental in helping us get one step closer to getting this film completed!

Other Ways You Can Help

Anything you can contribute helps! No amount is too small. You can increase your contribution by reaching out to your friends, family, Facebook family, Twitter "tweeps", running clubs, bowling leagues, golf buddies, Meetup Groups (you get the picture): basically anyone and everyone you know, and asking them to help! (Let's see, 1000 Facebook friends, 20% respond with $20 each and we reach our goal!)

Thank you for stopping by!