Iten, Kenya, a high-altitude town, is a renowned training hub for runners, producing numerous champions. Its population of around 42,000, mainly farmers, welcomes athletes worldwide, drawn by the benefits of its altitude. The town’s infrastructure supports this influx, with hotels and centers emerging to cater to visitors, enhancing their training experiences.
In the small Kenyan town of Iten, known for its high altitude of approximately 2,400 meters above sea-level, groups of runners can be seen training as schoolchildren head to class. This town, located 350 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, is famous for producing elite long-distance runners, drawing both professional and amateur athletes seeking to enhance their training environment. Local housing businesses, including hotels, continue to emerge to accommodate the influx of these dedicated individuals.
Ryan Mex, a runner and coach from Malta, has brought three athletes to Iten in pursuit of an advantage for the upcoming marathon season, which encompasses races of about 42 kilometers. On his inaugural visit to this renowned training hub, Mex expressed enthusiasm for future trips, remarking, “Next time I want to come with a larger group since we really like the training environment here. This is the best place in the world to come for a training camp.”
Iten, with a population of around 42,000, is largely agricultural but has nurtured numerous Olympic champions, including Eliud Kipchoge and David Rudisha. International athletes, such as British Olympian Mo Farah, have also taken advantage of the town’s ideal training conditions. The recognition of Iten as a World Athletics Heritage Landmark in 2019 reinforces its status as the “Home of Champions.”
Three-time Olympian Lornah Kiplagat, a former student from Iten, now leads her training center in the town. She explained the physiological benefits of training in such altitude: “If you train at 2,400 meters, your lungs expand, your red blood cells increase, and so when you go to low altitude you feel like you are flying.”
Amanal Petros, a German marathon runner, dedicates six months annually to training at Kiplagat’s center, citing the abundance of fellow athletes as a significant advantage. He noted, “Organizing a training partner in Europe is not easy. But in Iten, the home of champions, wherever you go you find a lot of athletes who can train with you.”
Jean Paul Fourier has witnessed Iten’s transformation since founding the Kerio View Hotel in 2002. Originally a modest establishment, it has expanded to accommodate up to 50 guests, reflecting the town’s growth and popularity among athletes. Fourier remarked on his investment’s return, indicating the shift toward Iten as a premier training location.
Brother Colm O’Connell, a long-time educator at St. Patrick’s High School, recalls Iten’s humble beginnings in 1976, stating that its evolution began when sports professionalism surged. His reforms in athletics led to the emergence of 25 world champions from his school, which further inspired the growth of local athletics. O’Connell estimates that around 500 runners visit Iten at any given time during peak training season, highlighting the sport’s appeal across diverse populations.
The evolution of Iten into a global training destination illustrates how a high-altitude environment can benefit both elite and amateur runners alike. With amenities catering to the growing athlete community, the town promises to remain a pivotal site for training and development in long-distance running.
Iten, Kenya, serves as an exceptional training ground for athletes due to its high altitude, which enhances physical performance. The town has produced numerous Olympic champions and continues to attract runners from around the world. The growth of local infrastructure, including hotels and training centers, facilitates this trend. As Iten evolves, it presents unique opportunities for both professional and amateur runners to excel in their pursuits of athletic excellence.
Original Source: learningenglish.voanews.com
