Athletics in Elgeyo Marakwet
The High Altitude Training Camp at Iten
That many world-famous long-distance runners are from Kenya warrants little introduction here. Not too long ago, the dominance of Kenya in competitive distance-running was the subject of much fascination. Kenya throws its hat in the track of virtually all distance events, from the sporty two-laps 800m up to the genteel 42 km marathon. One of the reasons why some Kenyans are so good at running is that they begin running at a young age, training for years on end.
Once they become adults, they have already trained for a long time. Most of the aspiring runners live and train in the highlands of northwest Kenya, in Elgeyo Marakwet County, where they have access to competitive peer groups of budding athletes and an elaborate infrastructure of camps, coaches, and managers.
The most promising and successful ones travel abroad to take part in international races, only to quickly return and continue training in the ‘county of champions’. On the surface, competition is a self-explanatory notion that drives the transnational sports industry and the state’s headway plan. However, there is a split between the management and success of middle and long distance runners in Kenya.
Runners and Iten as their place of training present a more complicated picture. Kenyan long-distance runners, rivalled only by Ethiopian athletes, have for decades famously dominated international athletic competitions. They have been on the receiving end of Western researchers and journalists, who have long attempted to decipher the ‘secrets’ of Kenyans’ extraordinary success in running
The nexus of western research into Kenya’s long distance running is the High Altitude Training Camp at Iten. Established in 2000 by the masterly Kenyan/Dutch athlete Lornah Kiplagat, the High Altitude Training Camp, open for both elite athletes and recreational runners, offers top-of-the-line facilities and training regimes for runners. Equipped with all the modern facilities needed, it is a popular venue for runners who want to perfect their distance-running skills. Some athletes live permanently at high altitudes, only returning to sea level to compete.
For the more casual runners, the regime is turned-down and mingled with activities like mountain biking, tours to the villages, and trekking. Some of the facilities at the High Altitude Training Camp include a 400 ms all-weather tartan running track, a gym, two saunas, a 25 ms heated swimming pool, and its single or double rooms with hot showers. Sites found nearby HATC include Kerio Valley, Kerio View Hotel and Kamariny Stadium. It is situated 900 ms before Iten turnoff.
Long-distance running in Kenya has gained an international standing, thanks to the country’s exceptional success in distance running events at the Olympics, World Championships, and other prestigious competitions. The success is a combination of natural talent, rigorous training regimes, cultural factors, high-altitude advantages, growing infrastructure, and the blessings from all Kenyans.
A Guide to Athletics in Kenya
Brief Overview of Athletics in Kenya
Brief History of Long Distance Running in Kenya
Kenya at the Olympics – Overview and Medal Winners: 800m, 3,000m Olympic Steeplechase, 5,000m, 10,000m, Marathon
Places of Interest: Bungoma County - Chemoge High Altitude Training Camp, Elgeyo Marakwet County - High Altitude Training Camp, Kamariny Stadium, St. Patrick's High School, Uasin Gishu County - Kipchoge Keino Stadium
outlook
Touring Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya offers a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes, it is also home to globally-famous long distance running exports. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the famous Kerio Valley Escarpment or venture into the Cherangani Hills for more challenging hikes.
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Explore Destinations Nearby High Altitude Training Camp
A Guide to Elgeyo Marakwet County
A Summa Digest of Elgeyo Marakwet
About Elgeyo Marakwet Way Back When
44 Destinations in E. Marakwet County, arranged as one would visit these - west, south then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Home of Champions Art Center, Keiyo Gardens, High Altitude Training Camp, Kamariny Stadium, St. Patrick's High School, Bugar Forest, Iten Viewpoint, Lelin Campsite, Kerio View Hotel, Active Edge, Rimoi National Reserve, Kapkurmoi Cultural & Conservation, Kessup Falls, Kessup Forest, Kilima Resort, Tambach Museum, Kolol Viewpoint, Torok Falls, Biretwo Museum, Kerio River Lodge, Chebloch Gorge, Samich Resort, Kenya Fluorspar Company, Sego Safari Resort, Melwa Gorge, Kerio Valley, Elgeyo (Kerio) Escarpment, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Kureswo Hot Springs, Metkei Ridge, Chemonde Forest, Chebirara Falls, Mela Cave, Cherangani Hills, Teren River Bridge, Arror Dam, Chebara Dam, Embobut Forest, Wewo Catholic Church, The Foothills (Kipkunurr & Koisungur), Kipteberr Hill, Kiplagoch Caves, Ancient Marakwet Furrows
Know More About E. Marakwet County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
With a wide range in altitude, from 3350 ms asl., on the Cherangani Hills, to around 1000 metres asl., in the Kerio Valley. the temperature varies greatly with altitude, between 18oC – 26oC average maximum.
Elegyo Marakwet can be split into three agro-zones: A high altitude region of forest and moorland; The Cherangani mountains; And the lower set Kerio Escarpment and Valley.