Iten, Kenya: A High-Altitude Haven for Champion Runners

Iten, Kenya, located at 2,400 meters above sea level, is renowned as a training hub for both elite and amateur runners. Home to Olympic champions, the town has developed significant accommodations and training facilities due to the growing interest in high-altitude running. The influence of local figures like Brother Colm O’Connell emphasizes Iten’s transformation from a small village to a premier athletics destination.

In the high-altitude town of Iten, Kenya, runners begin their day on dusty paths, often accompanied by local children heading to school. At an elevation of approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, Iten has become a training ground for both elite and amateur athletes, contributing to its reputation as a birthplace of world-class long-distance runners. Located about 350 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, the demand for accommodation continues to grow with the influx of training athletes.

Among the visitors is Ryan Mex, a semi-professional runner from Malta, who has brought fellow athletes to Iten in search of a competitive advantage. “Next time I want to come with a larger group since we really like the training environment here,” Mex remarked, emphasizing his positive experience. Iten’s high elevation fosters significant physiological benefits, making it a prime training location.

Iten, which houses around 42,000 residents, has produced many Olympic champions, including renowned runners Eliud Kipchoge and David Rudisha. Even notable athletes such as British champion Mo Farah have trained extensively in Iten. The town was designated a World Athletics Heritage Landmark in 2019, dubbing itself the “Home of Champions.”

Lornah Kiplagat, a Kenyan native and three-time Olympian, attributes the high elevation as key to training success: “If you train at 2,400 meters, your lungs expand, your red blood cells increase… you feel like you are flying.” Another athlete, Amanal Petros from Germany, values the community aspect of Iten. “In Iten, the home of champions, wherever you go, you find a lot of athletes who can train with you,” he stated.

Local entrepreneur Jean Paul Fourier also capitalized on the growing interest by establishing the Kerio View Hotel in 2002, which has expanded to accommodate 50 guests along with a fitness center. Fourier commented on his successful venture, saying, “I made a small investment and it has really grown.” The peak training season in Iten spans from April to September, attracting numerous visitors.

Brother Colm O’Connell, a long-time resident and educator, reminisces about Iten’s modest beginnings in 1976, highlighting the significant transformation that occurred with the advent of professional athletics. He noted, “Before that, athletes were confined to their place of work… athletes could now sit down with their managers and decide… I can become a full-time career athlete.” With O’Connell’s influence, 25 of his students went on to become world champions, fueling the growth of the athletics scene in the town.

As Iten continues to thrive as a hub for runners worldwide, O’Connell estimates up to 500 visiting runners converge on the town during peak training season, emphasizing that running accommodates all individuals, stating, “Running is a sport for everybody and it has something to offer everybody.”

This transformation highlights Iten’s significant contribution to the world of athletics, reinforcing its status as a premier training location that is accessible and beneficial for both elite and amateur runners alike.

The town of Iten, Kenya, is recognized for its remarkable altitude, serving as a prestigious training ground for runners from various backgrounds. The influx of athletes, spurred by both professional and amateur interests, has led to thriving local accommodation and training facilities. Athletes, including world champions, continue to elevate Iten’s status, showcasing the unique benefits of high-altitude training. This evolution reflects the broader impact of professional athletics on the community and its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for runners.

Original Source: learningenglish.voanews.com