The secret of Kenya’s Kalenjins, the fastest runners in the world

The environment

Most Kalejins come from the Kenyan highlands in the Rift Valley region.  The highlands feature high elevation, flat land and mild-weather all year round making it perfect for outdoor running.

The scientists believe that a combination of the geography, the culture and the food is an important factor in making them the best runners.

According to Kenyan geneticist Dr Paul Nthakanio, a senior lecturer at Embu University College:

“The environment may induce some genes to express more efficiently. At other times, environment can make some genes to switch off and other times it makes some genes to switch on. This is a condition referred to as epigenetics.”

It is believed that one of the aspects that influence their prowess of the Kalenjin is that most of them used to run long-distance to school barefoot.  They also did the same when it came to running errands such as fetching water and taking care of animals.   Such activities make it easier for them to train their muscles. It is why most of the professional training start as young as 14.

The food, which is usually organic and natural, is also influential in their general well-being.