Iten, Kenya, is a high-altitude town recognized for producing elite long-distance runners. Located 2,400 meters above sea level, it attracts both local and international athletes drawn to its training environment. With a growing number of hotels and training facilities, Iten has solidified its status as a premier destination for runners, including Olympic champions and amateurs alike.
Iten, a high-altitude town in Kenya, is renowned for its conducive environment for runners, located approximately 2,400 meters above sea level. The town promotes long-distance running, attracting both elite athletes and amateurs from across the globe. Situated about 350 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Iten has seen a surge in hotels and accommodations to cater to the increasing number of athletes keen to train in this unique setting.
Among the athletes visiting Iten is Ryan Mex from Malta, who has brought aspiring runners to enhance their performance ahead of marathon season. He emphasized the town’s exceptional training atmosphere, stating, “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 has a population of roughly 42,000, primarily comprised of farmers, yet it has cultivated numerous world-renowned champions like Eliud Kipchoge and David Rudisha. The town has earned the title of “Home of Champions” and was declared a World Athletics Heritage Landmark in 2019. Many international runners, including British champion Mo Farah, have made Iten their training base for extended periods.
Lornah Kiplagat, a Kenyan Olympian, highlighted the physiological advantages of high-altitude training, explaining, “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 marathoner, also appreciates Iten’s vibrant athlete community, stating that finding training partners is easier than in Europe.
Jean Paul Fourier, who opened the Kerio View Hotel in 2002, has witnessed Iten’s transformation from a small village to a bustling training hub, now providing fitness facilities for up to 50 guests. The primary training season in Iten spans from April to September, drawing both enthusiastic amateurs and serious competitors.
Brother Colm O’Connell, a former leader at St. Patrick’s High School, recalls Iten’s humble beginnings in 1976. He has played a significant role in launching the careers of numerous world champions, defining the transformation of Iten as an athletic center, particularly when many athletes transitioned into professional careers, allowing them to focus on athletic training.
In summary, Iten has emerged as a prestigious training destination for runners globally, attributed to its high altitude and supportive community. With various accommodations and training facilities, the town caters to both professional and amateur athletes, fostering an environment conducive to achieving personal and competitive goals. The legacy of champion runners and dedicated mentors like Brother O’Connell underscores Iten’s profound impact in the world of athletics.
Original Source: learningenglish.voanews.com
