For many, athletics is a fascinating game to watch while for some it’s a profession and a full time job. And just like any other profession, this field requires a lot of dedication, hard work and resilience. Who is an athlete and what does it take to become one?
Last week I paid a visit to Rosa Training Camp in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, one of the famous training camps in the North Rift, the second best after Iten. The camp is named after its founder, Dr. Frederico Rosa, former manager of the late marathoner, Samuel Kamau Wanjiru. It is located about 16km east of Eldoret town at an altitude of 2400 m.
Rosa camp has become an ideal training destination for both local and international athletes. While the boarders reside at the main centre, others camp at the nearby Choop and Chirchir centres. It is known to have produced world-class athletes, among them Olympic steeple chase silver medallist, Abel Mutai and 5000 m silver medallist, John Chepkwony.
Situated at the heart of Kaptagat Forest, the self-contained, ultra-modern facility accommodates up to one hundred athletes. However the latest statistics indicate an influx of athletes due to its accessibility and altitude. Athletics in Kenya is one of the fields that has been doing well. Moreover Kenyan athletes have never disappointed in taking their place at the top during any competition. Athletics has also been a major export earner. Currently 43 out of 100 best male long distance runners are from Kenya according to statistics by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
As the old adage goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Athletes at Rosa Camp usher in their day with a morning run of 20-25km. This is followed by a 10km jog and a final 5km run in the evening.
I joined them during one of their morning training sessions. I spoke to some of them as they took me through the serene, forested terrain of Kaptagat. These ambitious and optimistic upcoming athletes have undergone one year of rigorous training. Success in the field is not a walk in the park, they said. It can never be achieved without patience, skills and love for the game.
Diet and physical exercise is paramount to the athletes. Their food comprises of traditional and less fatty foods. Inside the building are other facilities like a gym, pool, dartboards and a massage parlour. The athletes go for a swim once in week. Speed work, meant to enhance timing, is a daily practice that athletes are accustomed to. A weekly routine in the University of Eldoret, formerly Chepkoilel has given them an opportunity to interact with other athletes from neighbouring training camps like Strawbag, Global Sports camp, Complete Sports Athletic Training Camp and Chepkorio Athletics Club.
International and local athletes such as gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele ( Ethiopia), Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda), Moses Kipsiro (Uganda), Vivian Cheruiyot and Geofrey Mutai have trained in this region. World 800m record holder, Mr David Rudisha, has been in Iten, a favourite spot for many athletes all over the world. Many researchers and doctors have proven that running reduces the risk of contracting heart diseases. It is also recommended for physical fitness.
Last week I paid a visit to Rosa Training Camp in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, one of the famous training camps in the North Rift, the second best after Iten. The camp is named after its founder, Dr. Frederico Rosa, former manager of the late marathoner, Samuel Kamau Wanjiru. It is located about 16km east of Eldoret town at an altitude of 2400 m.
Rosa camp has become an ideal training destination for both local and international athletes. While the boarders reside at the main centre, others camp at the nearby Choop and Chirchir centres. It is known to have produced world-class athletes, among them Olympic steeple chase silver medallist, Abel Mutai and 5000 m silver medallist, John Chepkwony.
Situated at the heart of Kaptagat Forest, the self-contained, ultra-modern facility accommodates up to one hundred athletes. However the latest statistics indicate an influx of athletes due to its accessibility and altitude. Athletics in Kenya is one of the fields that has been doing well. Moreover Kenyan athletes have never disappointed in taking their place at the top during any competition. Athletics has also been a major export earner. Currently 43 out of 100 best male long distance runners are from Kenya according to statistics by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
As the old adage goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Athletes at Rosa Camp usher in their day with a morning run of 20-25km. This is followed by a 10km jog and a final 5km run in the evening.
I joined them during one of their morning training sessions. I spoke to some of them as they took me through the serene, forested terrain of Kaptagat. These ambitious and optimistic upcoming athletes have undergone one year of rigorous training. Success in the field is not a walk in the park, they said. It can never be achieved without patience, skills and love for the game.
Diet and physical exercise is paramount to the athletes. Their food comprises of traditional and less fatty foods. Inside the building are other facilities like a gym, pool, dartboards and a massage parlour. The athletes go for a swim once in week. Speed work, meant to enhance timing, is a daily practice that athletes are accustomed to. A weekly routine in the University of Eldoret, formerly Chepkoilel has given them an opportunity to interact with other athletes from neighbouring training camps like Strawbag, Global Sports camp, Complete Sports Athletic Training Camp and Chepkorio Athletics Club.
International and local athletes such as gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele ( Ethiopia), Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda), Moses Kipsiro (Uganda), Vivian Cheruiyot and Geofrey Mutai have trained in this region. World 800m record holder, Mr David Rudisha, has been in Iten, a favourite spot for many athletes all over the world. Many researchers and doctors have proven that running reduces the risk of contracting heart diseases. It is also recommended for physical fitness.
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