In October of 2019, Eliud Kipchoge ran the first ever sub 2 hour marathon running a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds. This unbelievable achievement that had never been performed before is an example of Kenyan dominance in long-distance running events, a dominance that has become expected in the running community.
Kipchoge originates from a region in Kenya known as the Kenyan Rift Valley, the Rift Valley is home to numerous other largely successful runners most notably names such as Brigid Kosgei and Joyciline Jepkosgei. So the question arises as to why runners from Kenya, and more specifically the Rift Valley, are so successful and dominant within the athletics branch of long-distance events.
Residents of the Rift Valley have passed on the passion of running for generations through thousands of families across Western Kenya. A majority of these runners start training at an extremely young age and are raised in an environment that is obsessed with the sport. Coach Bernard Ouma says “You see your neighbor run and win, it motivates you to run and win.” The Rift Valley is vastly high-altitude which makes running at lower altitudes a piece of cake for these runners who have trained their entire lives within this atmosphere. This unique climate aids Kenyan athletes to produce a higher concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin whilst exercising. Furthermore, a majority of the residents of Kenya’s rift valley are described as having strong genetic running abilities most notably; slim bodies and lengthy legs.
To pinpoint one factor as the reason for the success of Kenyan runners would be a disservice to the many ingredients that come together to create the ultimate long-distance athlete. Things such as the Kenyan way of life, the Rift Valley’s high-altitude environment, and a simple healthy diet all merge to create a society of elite runners. “The only secret is that there’s no secret, it’s not one thing but a perfect storm of elements that come together in Kenya’s Rift Valley region to make the people there so strong at distance running,” said Adharanand Finn an author and running aficionado.
Kenyan athletes were hugely successful in the recent Paris Olympics as Kenya topped the African medal count with 11 total medals. Unsurprisingly, all of Kenya’s medals came within long-distance athletics events such as the 10000m run and the 1500m run. Faith Kipyegon finished with a gold and silver medal in the 1500m run and 5000m run respectively, “It’s a big, big achievement,” commented an ecstatic Kipyegon after her gold medal success at the Paris Olympics.
Dominance in running has become expected in the country of Kenya and will continue to be as the country looks to the future. With the strong foundations of a dedicated community, devoted athletes, and a deep cultural connection to running, the legacy of athletes like Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon will be continued by future Kenyan generations.
Written by Artin Safaie
