The global capital of running.
Kerio View is close to Iten town, the capital of the County. Many people, however, would regard it as a world capital. Recently the IAAF recognised its importance by conferring on it the status of "World Sports Heritage Site".
If you want to meet the top runners, KV is the place to be.
That recognition is due to the multitude of Olympians and World champions - literally hundreds - that have lived and trained in Iten and its environs. Many of them, of the present and the past, are frequent visitors to Kerio View.
The success of the Iten runners has brought an increasing number of international visitors seeking to find the "secret" of this success. Much has been written in books about their quest and their conclusions - read, for example, The Ultimate Runner by Finn, or Mo Farah's autobiography Twin Ambitions.
The gym
2,350 m, and possibly the optimum.
Science and the actual success of many generations of runners attest to the efficacy of a regime of living and training at high altitude before a big race. In this regard, it is relevant to mention that Iten, at 2,350 m above sea level, could be, fortuitously, at the optimum elevation for training - much above this height, the practical difficulties of cold and a long acclimatisation period outweigh any possible advantages.
Living and training at altitude, genetic potential, a simple low-protein and low-fat diet, non-polluted atmosphere, sour milk (mursik), running back and forth to school at an early age - all have been mentioned as being the "magic key". Undoubtedly some, perhaps all, of these factors are significant.
From before the sun rises to the descent of darkness.
A "secret" ingredient often overlooked is the culture of running that exists around Iten, and to a lesser degree throughout this part of Kenya. Here, from before the sun rises to the descent of darkness, individuals, pairs and often large groups of runners will be seen pounding out the kilometres along tarmac highways and rural, laterite tracks.
Except for a friendly wave and smile from workers in their fields, the "shambas", and groups of young kids trying to tag along, there is little reaction from local people as runners pass. This is just part of a normal day.
The casual attitude to running here can sometimes be disconcerting. World Champions, Olympic gold medallists and their coaches, who elsewhere would be feted in public and would try to stay out of the limelight, are in Iten just part of the furniture - met casually in the streets, shops and hotels of Iten and Eldoret.
Not only for the super sportsman.
Here for pleasure
One should not believe that Kerio View, Iten and Elgeyo Marakwet County are just for the super sportsman. This is absolutely not the case. Most visiting runners are here just for pleasure and to expand their horizons.
Groups of all sorts
Some don't even aspire to the term "runner" and prefer to be called joggers. Kerio View has had the pleasure of hosting a group of 27 joggers from Germany for two weeks, with plenty of opportunity between sessions to interact with people and enjoy a variety of experiences.
Built for training camps
One large building also includes the gymnasium and the physio and massage room, which makes that accommodation particularly suitable for visitors engaging in athletics, especially teams and groups.
Who passes through.
