Kenya’s long-distance dominance is fading as athletes prioritize quick financial gains from road races, raising concerns about the future of track success.
Sometimes, the biggest threats to sporting greatness do not come from rivals on the track but from the choices athletes make off it.
Kenya, long celebrated as the undisputed powerhouse in men’s long-distance running, finds itself struggling to maintain its dominance in the 5,000m and 10,000m events.
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Dr. Kipchumba Byron, a sports science and management expert, attributes this decline to the increasing pursuit of quick financial rewards over the long, arduous journey to global athletics glory.
“The pursuit of instant success has crippled Kenya’s dominance in long-distance events,” Kipchumba states as per The Star.
“Athletes are no longer patient. The rise of lucrative road races has pulled them away from the track.”
The shift to road races
Kenyan athletes have traditionally ruled the long-distance track events at the Olympics and World Championships.
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However, since Charles Kamathi’s 10,000m gold in Edmonton 2001 and Benjamin Limo’s 5,000m triumph in Helsinki 2005, Kenya has struggled to claim top honors in these categories.
Instead, many of the country’s talented male athletes are opting for road races. With more frequent events and better financial incentives, the lure of road running has overshadowed the patriotic hunger for track supremacy.
“The World Championships and Olympics happen once every few years, but road races, such as the 5K, 10K, and 15K, are frequent. They offer quick financial rewards, and many athletes aren’t willing to wait for track glory,” Kipchumba explains.
Unlike track events that require years of structured training and competition to reach peak performance, road races provide an immediate source of income.
Winning or even placing well in international road races can secure financial stability, which is particularly enticing for athletes from humble backgrounds.
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The decline of Kenyan track dominance
Kenya’s struggles on the global stage have become more apparent in recent years. The last time the country won a men’s 10,000m world title was in 2001, and only three silver medals have followed, courtesy of Geoffrey Kamworor (2015), Stanley Mburu (2022), and Daniel Ebenyo (2023).
The men’s 5,000m event paints a similar picture, with the last world title coming from Limo in 2005. Despite promising performances from Eliud Kipchoge (2007), Caleb Ndiku (2015), and Jacob Krop (2022), silver medals have been the closest Kenya has come.
Dr. Kipchumba believes the shift in priorities among male athletes has left Kenya struggling to develop a new generation of track champions.
“We never properly transitioned from past champions like Limo. That lack of preparation has cost us dearly,” he asserts.
The role of cross country in sustaining track excellence
One of the key pillars of Kenya’s past success was the strong cross-country culture. Many of the greatest track athletes honed their endurance and strength by competing in cross-country events, which prepared them for the rigors of the 5,000m and 10,000m.
“Limo was a cross-country athlete, and that was essential in giving him the endurance and speed necessary for the 5,000m,” Kipchumba notes.
“Today, fewer athletes are competing in cross-country, and that has led to a drop in performance on the track.”
Cross-country racing builds resilience, stamina, and tactical intelligence, all crucial for excelling in long-distance track events. However, as participation declines, Kenya is losing a critical pipeline for developing future champions.
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Why women are outperforming men
Interestingly, the decline in men’s long-distance dominance does not reflect in the women’s events. Faith Kipyegon, a triple Olympic champion in 1500m, currently reigns as the 5,000m world champion.
Hellen Obiri dominated the event in 2017 and 2019, while Vivian Cheruiyot secured Kenya’s last 10,000m world title in 2015.
Dr. Kipchumba attributes this contrast to differences in mindset and approach.
“Women are more patient, resilient, and focused, unlike men who want quick and immediate success. As a result, they have a longer running career compared to their male counterparts,” he notes.
This patience allows female athletes to stay committed to track events, train longer, and peak at the right time for global competitions. In contrast, many male athletes opt for the road before reaching their full potential on the track.
The road ahead for Kenya
With the Tokyo 2025 World Championships fast approaching, Kenya faces an uphill battle to reclaim its former glory in long-distance track events.
Dr. Kipchumba believes the solution lies in re-establishing a strong development system that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term gains.
“We have the talent in abundance, but the individual focus on financial gain has overshadowed the patriotic drive that once fueled our dominance,” he warns.
“Kenya must find a way to balance financial incentives with national pride.”
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Investing in cross-country programs, structured mentorship, and long-term athlete development can help reverse the trend. Unless steps are taken to retain athletes in track events, Kenya risks losing its once-unshakable grip on long-distance running.
The challenge is clear: Will Kenya choose the quick payday or the lasting legacy? The answer will determine the future of the nation’s distance running dominance.
