Iten, a Kenyan town renowned for its high-altitude training, serves as a haven for elite and amateur long-distance runners. With the altitude providing a competitive edge, it has become a global training hub, attracting numerous athletes and professionals. The local infrastructure has grown to support this trend, evolving from a modest town to the ‘Home of Champions’ since the 1970s.
Iten, a small town in Kenya located about 350 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, is renowned for its high-altitude training environment, sitting at approximately 2,400 meters above sea level. This specific altitude has made it the training ground for numerous elite long-distance runners, attracting both local and international athletes. The town has seen a surge in hotels and short-stay accommodations to cater to the increasing number of professionals and amateurs seeking to improve their performance.
Among those who train in Iten is Ryan Mex from Malta, who brought a group of athletes to gain a competitive advantage ahead of marathon season. He states, “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.”
With a population of about 42,000, Iten has produced world champions including Olympic gold medalists Eliud Kipchoge and David Rudisha. The town was designated as a World Athletics Heritage Landmark in 2019, further solidifying its reputation as the “Home of Champions.” Notable figures like Lornah Kiplagat, a three-time Olympian, have also trained there, leveraging the altitude to enhance their athletic performance.
Kiplagat notes, “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.” Marathoner Amanal Petros echoes this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative training environment available in Iten where athletes often find partners to train with.
Jean Paul Fourier, the owner of Kerio View Hotel, shares his experience of growing his business to accommodate the influx of athletes. From its humble beginnings in 2002, the hotel now serves up to 50 guests and includes fitness facilities, reflecting the town’s development alongside its rising athletic profile.
Brother Colm O’Connell, a former teacher at St. Patrick’s High School, recalls Iten’s transformation since he arrived in 1976. He explains how professionalism in sports has completely changed the landscape, allowing athletes to pursue full-time careers. O’Connell significantly reformed the athletics program at his school, contributing to the emergence of several world champions.
He estimates that around 500 visiting athletes come to train in Iten during the peak months of April to September. He remarks on the diversity of runners, stating, “We see fun runners, we have runners with personal goals, we have people running a marathon to fundraise. In other words, running is a sport for everybody and it has something to offer everybody.”
Iten, Kenya, is a premier training hub for long-distance runners due to its high-altitude environment, fostering both professional and amateur athletes. The town has evolved into a bustling center of athletic excellence, drawing international attention and investment in training facilities. The collaboration among athletes and supportive infrastructure reflect Iten’s status as a leading destination for runners seeking competitive advantages, aided by historical transformations in the sport’s professionalism.
Original Source: learningenglish.voanews.com
