I wonder why Kenya people is so capable of running long distance especially when it comes to marathon.
Is it because of the place they stay have less oxygen ; they found it very easy to run when it comes to marathon run.
2007-06-07 17:03:27 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Running
They do have some advantages from their country's altitude and the fact they run and walk long distances while growing up. The country has camps to train and develop runners. It is their way to escape poverty and gain fame and fortune for themselves and their family. There are huge numbers of people trying to get into their training program and the selection process finds the best runners and develops them for international competition in distance events, not just the marathon.
2007-06-07 17:11:50 · answer #1 · answered by lestermount 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its simply Genetics based upon their bone and lean muscle development. If it was altitude and running then the Incas in Peru should be the champions at marathon. They run at higher altitudes than those found in Kenya. Also marathon runners have a tendency to live fast and short lives. Not a very healthy way to live.
2007-06-08 00:19:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The less oxygen thing definately helps, several athletes travel to Kenya just to train.
There's also the fact that most of the runners are used to travelling long distances daily. Since they're no school buses and schools are usually several miles away, kids get used to running everyday.
2007-06-10 19:27:24 · answer #3 · answered by qeentasha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
genetics+high motivation+environment, in that order.
most of the elite runners come from a small region of Kenya, so genetics definitely is a big factor. not all or even most kenyans can run that fast, but the people in that specific area have great genetics for distance running.
they are highly motivated to earn money to improve their living situation, plus they don't want to disappoint their motherland, plus they know if they fail, someone else will be quick to take their place.
lastly the altitude helps condition them. of course it isn't the altitude alone responsible, but it is another factor.
basically what lestermount said.
haha, and what is this BS about marathon runners living "fast and short lives"? stop pulling cr@p out of your @ss, excuse my french.
2007-06-08 11:09:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People from Kenya are so capable fo running long distances and winning events because they have their achilles tendon formed differently and in a different spot than others. It gives them more spring and boost than other races. that factor plus the altitude of their country form a athletic machine.
2007-06-08 20:34:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have lions in Kenya. Train with one of them chasing you around and I bet you'd be good too.
2007-06-08 09:17:01 · answer #6 · answered by thegubmint 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
idk, not all kenya pple can run long distances well tho, im kenyan but can barely finish the mile alone haha
2007-06-08 21:00:53 · answer #7 · answered by hot g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋