Kiprotich returns to Eldoret

Nov 04, 2012

ELDORET is also home to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)’s High Altitude Training Center for Kenyan and international athletes

By Norman Katende

AFTER basking in the glory of winning the London 2012 Olympic marathon gold medal for over two months, Stephen Kiprotich has at last returned to his training camp in Eldoret, with an aim of plotting for more success next season.

The 23-year-old, who has been partaking light training on the streets of Kampala coupled with attending numerous social functions, has left for Eldoret, whose training facilities he used enroute to becoming an Olympic champion.

According to his manager Jurie Van Der Velden, of Global Sports Communication, the Assistant Superintendent of Prison will now embark on serious training as he prepares for races early next year.

“He left on Monday for camp. That will give him time to concentrate,” said Jurrie when asked of Kiprotich’s programme. 

Kiprotich, who is sponsored by Nike, will train under the watchful eyes of Kenyan coach Patrick Sang, who helped him improve from a 10000m runner in 2011 to a road distance runner.

Although his primary focus is to win the World Championships in Moscow, Russia in August next year, Kiprotich will need to compete in one of the international races earlier in the year to gauge his fitness levels and resilience.

Why Kiprotich relishes Eldoret

Eldoret is a town in Western of Kenya. It is the administrative center of Uasin Gishu of Rift Valley. It lies in south of the famous Cherengany hills.

Eldoret is also home to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)’s High Altitude Training Center for Kenyan and international athletes.

Several high altitude training camps in the Great Rift Valley and Central Kenya attract many international athletes, yearning to share in a little of that which builds Kenya’s runners.

Britain’s Paula Radcliffe and Mo Farah are some of the big names that have set camp there in preparation for major athletic meets such as the Olympics.

The high altitude improves on the oxygen intake, which is good for long distance running, hence attracting many foreigners keen on training in the country. 

The serenity and good terrain also makes Iten a perfect training ground. Eldoret has produced outstanding athletes, one being the legendary Kipchoge Keino.

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