Ever wondered why Kenyan runners make a clean sweep of all the long distance running in world atheletics? Linus Gitahi has some interesting facts to relate about their winning formula and it has insights on their training, stance and food.


According to Linus, most world class Kenyan runners come from the Kalenjin tribe residing in Kenya’s western highlands. However, the training field is at 8,000 feet, a place called Iten, which has an apt non-humid climate. During this altitude training regime, the oxygen carrying capacity of the athlete is considerably boosted for long distance running.

Linus Gitahi adds that Kenyan runners lean forward and use the gravity to their advantage. There are assumptions that this posture might have evolved because of Kenyans running up and down the steep mountains of Kenya. Nonetheless, this stance results in great running economy.

Finally, Linus Gitahi talks about their diet plan which contains 86% carbohydrates, 1.2 litres of tea and 1.1 litres of water. Their food is simple and based on vegetables, grains and variety of starches.

Simplicity prevails, right?