Why do Kenya and Ethiopia dominate in long-distance running?

You would be surprised by how little about this phenomenon is known. Runners from the two countries have dominated world athletics for almost five decades and their dominance does not seem to be likely to end anytime soon. read more

The first world-famous East African runners were Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia, winner of the Olympic marathon in 1960 and 1964, and Kip Keino of Kenya, also a two-time Olympic gold medalist: in the 1,500 meters in 1968 and the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 1972. read more

The East African countries of Kenya and Ethiopia have historically been very successful when it comes to long-distance running at the Olympics. In modern times, Kenya have dominated the 3,000m steeplechase event while Ethiopia have dominated the 5,000m and 10,000m running events. read more