Series explores Kenyans? long-distance running succe

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Series explores Kenyans long-distance running success --

Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:53

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The reason behind Kenya s runners excellence in endurance running is explored by Al Jazeera correspondent and running enthusiast Andy Richardson in the programme Why We Run. Richardson also looks at why so many humans love the sport.

In the programme, airing on Thursday 12 December at 20h00 GMT on Al Jazeera English, Kenya s running legends shed light on what motivates them to run, and why so many Kenyans are succeeding in endurance running.

Kenyans have run four of the five fastest ever marathons and Wilson Kipsang, current marathon world record holder, is the latest addition to this statistic. He explains: What gives you power, the courage and faith that you can really do something in a race, is how you have really trained.

Lornah Kiplagat, Kenyan-born, former cross country champion, reinforces this belief: I knew if I train hard I will win easy. So that was my motivation. Train hard and then the competition is just having fun.

I can t imagine a day without running. I hear people are addicted to coffee but me, I m addicted to running, adds Kiplagat.

However, when it comes to endurance running, fun is not a major motivator for a lot of Kenyans, as economic factors make running a sustainable career for them.

Why We Run travels to the small town of Iten, where a new generation of Kenyan runners want to follow in the footsteps of the many endurance running legends who grew up there.

David Rushida, world and Olympic champion, says: Most of the motivation comes from the people who have been there before them. They are living good lives; they are driving good cars.

Why We Run is part of Richardson s exploration into running and his own preparation to run his first marathon in the Antarctic.

Tweet questions to Andy (@AndyR_Sport) during the premiere using #whywerun.

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