SIX TANZANIAN Masai warriors are in London to run the London Marathon slated for April 13th 2008. These warriors dressed in their full traditional regalia have been given a detailed briefing on UK habits to help them survive their trip. The Masai are a pastoral and hunting people found in Kenya and Tanzania. Their bravery and and strength is legendary. The six great hunters are running in the London Marathon to raise money for life-saving water supplies for their remote Tanzanian village. In a four-page document British charity Greenforces has advised them on what to expect and do amongst British society: “Many people drink alcohol in England. They do so at bars, at homes or at clubs; the English equivalent to a Masai party. When people drink they seem sillier or different.” The guide also warns them not to hunt any animals they come across or go in the bushes when nature calls. The guide also tells them to wear pants under their traditional robes and not to spit in public. There are numerous traditions and ceremonies performed by Maasai men.

Perhaps the best known is the warrior "jumping" dance, where young morani (warrioryouth) leap into the air from a standing position, in order to demonstrate their strength and agility. The higher one learns to jump, the higher warrior status they may attain All six men became warriors after tracking, running down and killing a male lion on their own. To add colour to the marathon, they will carry their spears and shields as they run through London.