There’s a saying that has started popping up in movies, in jokes, in bars across the globe … he was running, like a Kenyan! We’ve become a simile and it’s in large part due to the men and women who fly our flag high after training in the high altitude hills of Elgeyo Marakwet, County 028. As Kenyans it’s always a proud moment to see one of our own emerge victorious internationally, hearing our national anthem played at the Olympics, international marathons or other athletic meets.
Elgeyo Marakwet sits within the former Rift Valley Province. It is a cosy place, with its country feel and serenity, and has its own little gem – Iten town. David Rudisha, Lornah Kiplagat and Wilson Kipsang are among the names celebrated in this little town that is home to about 40,000 people. These are the same names that have encouraged booming sports tourism as runners from across the globe jet in to experience the ‘magic’ Iten has to offer.
International training takes place at the High Altitude Training Centre, built in 1999. Fully equipped with the necessities to have you training non-stop, there are no more excuses, this is the perfect place to ensure your marathon training kicks into ahem…high gear!
However, if you’re looking for a more home away from home vibe, we suggest you try the Keellu Resort within the area that offers a decent bed and breakfast. From there you can check out amazing spots in the county such as Torok waterfalls, Sergoit Hill, Rimoi National Park, Chebloch Gorge or the stunning Kerio Valley. Winding roads take one across the county where you can traverse the length of the Kerio River that flows in the valley of the same name below the Elgeyo escarpment and the Tugen Hills. Should you want a better view of GE entire valley we hear the view from a paraglider cannot be topped!
Vacation aside, each year around Christmas Iten hosts the largest women’s-only race in Kenya dubbed Shoe4Africa. The race has attracted several donors and celebrities due to its mission that involves the development of public hospitals for children in Sub Saharan Africa. Just know you have to be quite the long distance runner to stand out here but not to worry, practice makes perfect – remember the #KeFemaleFirst story on Pauline Konga?
