Three little-known East African towns that have produced record-breaking athletes

East Africa is known globally for being a hotbed for recording breaking runners, both in middle and long distance races. 

From the likes of Faith Kipyegon, Joshua Jeptegei, Eliud Kipchoge to Kenenisa Bekele, the region has produced many amazing runners who have done wonders in the athletics field. 

When you ask most people around the world where most runners come from, they will simply tell you Kenya and Ethiopia. 

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Very little is known about the towns where these runners train, eat and interact with their colleagues. 

Here are the three local towns in East Africa that have provided a conducive environment for numerous world beaters to excel in their careers.

Bekoji

Most Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships medalists in Ethiopia train in a small town called Bekoji.

Bekoji is a highland area located approximately four hours’ drive from the country’s capital city Addis Ababa. 

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More than 15 Olympic Games medalists including the legendary Kenenisa Bekele and former 1500m world record holder Genzebe Dibaba come from Bekoji. 

Others include Tirunesh Dibaba, Ejegayehu Dibaba, Mare Dibaba and the first African woman to bag an Olympic Games gold medalist Derartu Tulu. 

Kapchorwa

You have probably never heard of Kapchorwa, a small town located on the slopes of Mt. Elgon in the Eastern part of Uganda.

The town which is recognized by many people as the running Mecca of Uganda has produced many athletes.

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Some of them include the reigning 10,000m world record holder and Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, Moses Kipsiro, Stella Chesang (2008 Commonwealth Games gold medalist) and Steven Kiprotich.

Half marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo and the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games gold medalist Peruth Chemutai are the other notable runners who have a connection with Kapchorwa. 

The two main training camps in the area are the Cheptegei Training Centre and Taryet elite athletics training institution. 

Iten

Unlike Kapchorwa and Bekoji, Iten is known worldwide for being the home of most Kenyan speedsters. 

The town which sits at the Western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley is the headquarters of Elgeyo/Marakwet County. 

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Most Kenyan successful runners nurtured their talents in Iten before they went to make a name for themselves in the competitive athletics industry.

Some of these runners include the current 800m Olympic medalist and multiple Olympic Games gold medalist David Lekuta Rudisha, Abel Kirui, Florence Kiplagat, Felix Kandie, Cornelius Kemboi, Raymond Yator, Asbel Kiprop and Mary Keitany.

Two-time London Marathon winner Wilson Kipsang and multiple Boston marathon champion Edna Kiplagat also know the streets of Iten inside out.