Rift Valley Racers: a Study of the Cultural Causes of Kalenjin Distance Running Success From 1968 to the Present

Many theories have emerged since the 1970s to explain the rapid emergence and dominance of Kenya\u27s Kalenjin ethnic group in the sport of professional distance running. This one group of people hailing from the Rift Valley has reigned supreme from every distance over 800 meters for close to 50 years. This study disassociates the group\u27s success from genetic and geographical theories and describes how the Kalenjin society\u27s cultural perception of the importance of masculinity in their men has fueled this distance running dominance. Using secondary sources on the culture, history and success of the Kalenjin as well as interviews with various members of the ethnic group residing in Iten, Kenya, this paper proves how engrained cultural elements fueled the Kalenjin men\u27s move toward professional running and their success. The Kalenjin men who now serve as some of the top runners in the world all exhibit the same urge to prove their masculinity or manliness. Beyond genetics or their high altitude training, this culturally embedded urge is what has primarily created what many call the Kenyan Running Revolution. The use of oral histories and secondary sources provide depth to our understanding of this remarkable athletic talent. This project will contribute further to the study of Kalenjin running as well as to the general study of athletic talent