Keringet, where Kenya’s world beating stars train

Kenya's Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon celebrates after winning the gold medal in the women's 1500-meter final during the World Athletics Championships in London Monday, Aug. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Keringet Athletics Club remains the goose that lays the golden for Kenya since its inception in 1996.

The club is situated at Keringet Secondary School in Kuresoi, Nakuru and Athletics Kenya use the camp to tap talents ahead of 2020 World Under-20 on July 7-12. 

Over the years, Keringet has churned out some of the country’s top stars on track and road running. 

They include Olympic champion Faith Chepng’etich, national cross country champion Amos Kirui, former world marathon champion Geoffrey Kirui, world 800m bronze medallist Ferguson Rotich, 2006 world under-20 3,000m steeplechase champion Caroline Tuigong, Isaiah Kiplangat, Josphat Bett, Mercy Chebwogen, Rosefline Chepngetich, Commonwealth Games 800m champion Wycliffe Kinyamal, Ronald Kirui, Alfred Ng’eno and many others.

There are 49 athletes in the under-20 camp. David Bii, the camp coordinator said: “We already have world  beating stars in our midst who have represented the country at the global and continental level. They stand high chances of becoming world champions,” said Bii.

Africa junior 1,500m silver medallist Edinah Jebitok, world under-18 3,000m champion Zena Chemutai, world under-18 1,500m bronze medallist Maureen Cherotich, world under-20 5,000m silver medallist Deborah Chemutai and world under-18 3,000m bronze medallist are also in the camp.

“I narrowly missed out the world under-18, I remember Beatrice Chebet beating me to third place at the finish line. But the following year, I was glad to make the team the world under-20 in Tampere where I finished fourth,” said Zena.

Some of the boys’ prospects include Benson Sigei (5,000m), Michael Kibon (400m), Nehemiah Kimutai (5,000m), Dennis Kirui (3,000m) and Stephen Masindet (800m).

Bii said he is working with four officials in team manager Joseph Misoi, coaches Charles Ng’eno, Charles Ngao and chaperone Jackline Cheburet.

Athletics Kenya Youth Development Programme chairman Barnaba Korir urged the athletes to take education seriously.

“You must put more efforts in your education just as you do in education,” said Korir.

“Education will open up your thinking now and in the future. Nobody can mislead you if you are educated.”