If there’s a game that is probably popular around the country and the world, it’s athletics. Athletics is the reason we have school championships, as well as national and regional games, and even the Olympics. This is even the game that inspired our #KeWachezaji series.
The Heart of Athletics
Athletics is primarily running – think competitive short and middle-distance races, and cross country. It also involves jumping, walking and throwing activities, but for this story we choose to focus on the heart of this game.
Fans and followers of Kenya’s current track champion Eliud Kipchoge have seen his posts about his skills and abilities being tied to his mind and his heart. Mind in that he has devoted himself to training and being the best – and believing as much day in and out. Heart because he is passionate about sports and this makes him wake up every day knowing he does what he loves… but we digress.
Our Ancestors were Pro-Runners
Running – whether leisurely or competitively – is not a new activity in Kenya. From as far back as the precolonial era, communities had messengers – some of whom were runners. Carrying information from one clan to another, or one community to the other was the mandate of these messengers. Even back then running games among children were likely popular to test both speed and endurance.
Champions and Their Training Ground
Some of Kenya’s most professional track and field athletes received training as police or army personnel. In the past, recruitment of promising track athletes into the police service or army presumably enhanced their discipline and gave them ample training time.
In any case, running is a known and cherished sport. The highlands of Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet County are also recognised as the location where track athletes are able to improve their endurance thanks to the area’s high altitude. Iten just so happens to also be home to some of our most memorable runners such as David Rudisha and Wilson Kipsang. In fact, this town has adopted the nickname ‘home of champions’.
Over to you… was running a popular game in your younger years? Were you the high school track star, or did you know a local Usain Bolt? Share with us your memories of this game.