Kalenjin is an ethnic group of Nilotic origin living in the Great Rift Valley in western Kenya. The Kalenjin population is estimated at roughly 3 million. There are several smaller tribal groupings within the Kalenjin: Elgeyo, Endorois, Kipsigis, Marakwet, Nandi, Pokot, Sabaot, Terik, and Tugen.
The Kalenjin have been called by some "the running tribe."
Since the mid-1960s, Kenyan men have earned the largest share of major honors in international athletics at distances from 800 meters to the marathon;
The vast majority of these Kenyan running stars have been Kalenjin.
From 1980 on, about 40% of the top honors available to men in international athletics at these distances (Olympic medals, World Championships medals, and World Cross Country Championships honors) have been earned by Kalenjin.
In recent years, Kenyan women have become a major presence in international athletics at the distances; most of these women are also Kalenjin.
It was speculated that the Kalenjin may possess some unique genetic predispositions for running; it seems that their running success results from the combination of their slender physique, slim lower legs, efficient oxygen consumption, and, possibly, the influence of altitude.
.The legends from the running tribe
Many legendary Kenyan long distance runners are Kalenjins.
World renowned athlete, Kipchoge Keino is Kalenjin and was the first African to clinch a gold medal in 1500m race in 1968. Though retired, he is a Kenyan legend and a sports icon. Most of Kenya's earliest running heroes were of Nandi descent.
Kipchoge Keino and Mike Boit both were Nandi, as are latter-day stars Wilson Kipketer and Moses Tanui. Tegla Loroupe, who holds the course record for the Quad-City Times Bix 7, as well as the world record in the womens marathon, is Pokot. Five-time world cross country champion and world 10,000-meter record-holder Paul Tergat is Tugen. Helen Kimaiyo, winner of the 96 Bix 7, is Keiyo. Three-time world steeplechase champion Moses Kiptanui is Marakwet. Though other Kenya tribes have produced world-class athletes the Kalenjins still dominate the marathon scene.
Eldoret
Eldoret is the hometown of numerous legendary Kenyan runners, the most renowned of whom is Kipchoge Keino.
The high altitude is an ideal training ground for many middle and long distance athletes.
The runners from Eldoret have contributed significantly to the economy of Eldoret town from their winnings in races all over the world
Eldoret is also home to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)'s High Altitude Training Center for Kenyan and international athletes.
Eldoret is dubbed as ''The capital city of runners''.
Eldama Ravine.
Eldama Ravine is a town in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It is capital of the Koibatek District.
The town has an urban population of 10500.
The town is located 50 kilometres NW of Nakuru. Local terrain is hilly.
Former Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi has lived in Eldama Ravine. Former world-class runners Benard Barmasai, Solomon Birir, Matthew Birir, Jonah Birir, Richard Yatich - aka Mbarak Shami of Qatar, Jane Ekimat, Laban Moiben, Jared Nyamboki, Kiplimo Chemirmir, Lidya Cheromei, George Kiplagat, Enock Mitei and Eunice Jepkorir are from the town. It is one of the district which has large of indegenous forest.
Kalenjin Food
The staple Kalenjin food is ugali made from cornmeal, millet or sorghum. Like many other Kenya tribes at the dining table, Kalenjins often use bare hands to eat the ugali meal which may be served with cooked green vegetables such as kale. Their favorite meat includes roasted goat meat, beef, or chicken. Popular Kalenjin beverage is mursik, a fermented whole milk that has been stored in a special gourd and cleansed by using a burning stick.
Most often the kalenjin runners refer eating Ugali and Mursik which they believe is food of the sacred chmpions...
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