Eldoret, Kenya146;s running El Dorado

Mark Yatich, from Eldoret, winner of the Los Angeles Marathon in 2004, is gearing up back after an injury. He says: 8220;Eldoret has produced just so many athletes that it8217;s tough to say how many. I can say it8217;s quite the running capital of the country.8221; His town mates, sitting around, nod in agreement.

Almost all young boys and girls in the town run. Training starts early. Remembers Mark: 8220;When we were young we would walk miles to school and back. If I was asked to go buy something I would run. All this enhanced our running. And from small championships we went on to be national champions.8221;

Jonah Kibet also hails from Eldoret. He says: 8220;There are so many mountains in the town. We grow up having good practice at high altitudes.8221; He, female athlete Jepchunba Chelagat and all others start running in races from high school itself and by the age of 25 are ready for marathons.

Says Chelagat: 8220;We are always encouraged to run at small races when young. There are lots of good training schools and coaches there.8221;

Victor Kimelii, 22, is here for his first ever marathon and he concedes it8217;s for the money.

Running is a 8216;good-money8217; sport for the Kenyans. And families have also become accustomed to their staying away. Says Mark, 8220;They know where I am. Its all for them.8221; He has land and cattle back home, but running is his prime occupation. 8220;I don8217;t think my children are interested in running. They like other things. But may be my grandchildren too will become runners. Talent and interest are most important.8221;