A Look Into The World’s Fastest Village

Not surprisingly, it’s in Kenya.

There must be something in the water. According to an article on All Africa.com, one village in Nandi, Kenya boasts more world-beating distance runners than any other village in the world. It’s called Kabirirsang and sits in the middle of tea-rich farmlands.

It has the highest number of Olympic, World, Commonwealth, and Africa 800m champions in that event’s history.

Two examples: Wilson Kipketer and Sammy Kosgei who dominated the Africa 800m all-time best list for 24 years.

It’s also the home to Henry Rono. In the name doesn’t ring a bell, Rono set four world records (3,000m, 3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m and 10,000m) in just 81 days in 1978.

The list gets more impressive with the addition of another resident, Ibrahim Kipkemboi Hussein, who was the first African to win the New York City Marathon. But there are young runners from the village as well. This year’s world champion in the marathon, Abel Kirui, also calls Kabirirsang his home.

For More: All Africa