Former Kenyan marathoner Beatrice Murugi has endured years of health and financial struggles since her athletics career was brought to an end by injury.The once-international runner is now hoping for a fresh start after being admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).Murugi, who currently lives in a single-roomed house in Nyahururu, Nyandarua County, has battled persistent health problems since 2021 while struggling to raise money for treatment and provide for her child.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsHer situation was recently highlighted by local media outlets, prompting an appeal for assistance.On Tuesday, 22 September, Murugi was transferred to KNH, where she has begun specialised treatment and was expected to undergo surgery later in the week.The former marathoner expressed gratitude to those who helped bring attention to her plight, saying the development had restored her hope.“I can see that God has come through for me, and my child will be able to go to school,” Murugi said.Her current struggles are a far cry from the years when athletics provided her with a livelihood and enabled her to support her family.How women’s 800m went from banned to one of track’s biggest eventsMurugi discovered her talent at Wangui Primary School in Ngamini, Ndaragwa, while in class four. She later met an individual known as Kioni, who introduced her to a training camp and helped facilitate her move to Japan at the age of 14.She attended Toyo Power School from Form One to Form Three and completed her studies in 2011.At 17, Murugi was recruited by Toyota as an athlete. Her career took shape after moving to Japan in 2009, where she competed in half marathons and other road races.The income she earned from athletics allowed her to improve her family’s fortunes. She bought land for her parents and helped pay school fees for her siblings.But the financial security she had built through running was later eroded by a series of setbacks.##NAJAVA_MECA_9991855##Murugi said she lost money in a land deal in Kiamaina before investing in a lorry that she intended to use to transport cabbages. The vehicle was later involved in an accident at Del Monte in Thika, after which she said the driver disappeared.She also became a mother in August 2016. Three months later, she returned to Japan, where she competed in a half marathon before travelling back to Kenya.Murugi was later signed by another company and continued competing for about a year before developing problems with her legs.She returned to Japan for medical attention and spent about five months away from training before attempting to resume her career.Her competitive athletics journey was eventually cut short by a tendon injury in 2014.Athletics Great Kipchoge Keino reveals how Kenya stands to profit from 2029 World ChampionshipsSeven years later, another battle began.In 2021, Murugi started experiencing abdominal swelling and discomfort. She sought medical attention at several facilities and said she was initially informed that she had a uterine condition requiring surgery.At Mwea Mission Hospital in Karira, she said she was prescribed five injections per month, each costing Sh10,500.The treatment temporarily reduced the swelling, but the problem returned after she completed the fifth injection.She was subsequently placed on medication costing as much as Ksh30,000 and referred to different health facilities as she continued seeking treatment.##NAJAVA_MECA_9991882##“This treatment has cost me a lot of money,” she said.Her deteriorating health has also made it difficult for her to find work.Murugi said she sometimes tries to secure casual jobs, including tea-picking, but her physical condition often prevents her from being hired.“Sometimes when I go to look for work picking tea, the farm owner says I cannot do it,” she said.Veteran coach explains how sprint records could fall in Nairobi 2029 World ChampionshipsShe is also seeking to regain control of a parcel of land she purchased as an investment. Murugi said she entrusted the property to a close relative but later became concerned that she could lose ownership.“I would like that plot to be back in my hands now,” she said.She believes recovering the property would provide a more secure future for her and her child, who is currently schooling in Waigiri with assistance from a neighbour.Despite the years of illness, financial hardship and the premature end to her athletics career, Murugi has refused to completely let go of her running ambitions.She hopes to return to the sport in 2029 and once again represent Kenya.“I hope to return to running in 2029 and represent our country, Kenya. I believe that I will be running in 2029,” she said.