Coach Tiren optimistic of producing more world beaters at Kapcherop Club

Amos Abuga in Kapenguria

Coach Boniface Tiren has intensified his urge to mould a new crop of stars at the Kapcherop Athletics Club to follow in the footsteps of many world beaters from Elgeyo Marakwet County and rule the world in near future.

While the camp started by former world record holder and three-time world champion Moses Kiptanui, back in 1997 has produced many world long-distance runners, Tiren says the steeplechase legacy is one he takes much pride in and looks for its continuity.

Besides Kiptanui, Reuben Kosgei, Brimin Kipruto, Ezekiel Kemboi and record holder Kenyan-turned-Qatari Shaheen Saif Saaeed, formerly Stephen Cherono are some of the steeplechase stars who have won both Olympic and World titles whose stars were honed at the high altitude camp.

“We are not boasting but there has not been a Kenyan national team without steeplechasers from this camp and everybody wanted to run steeplechase here,” said Tiren.

He added: “The secret is that we are recruiting steeplechasers right from the grassroots, we are  taking young stars on the technical aspect of the sport which after a few years, makes them unbeatable.”

For Tiren, a combination of several factors not limited to high and low altitude conditions, hilly terrain as well as motivation from past achievers are some of the reasons that lead to the constant production of stars.

“The history is here for all to see, the juniors we have in the camp want to emulate the many stars who passed through this camp,” said Tiren, a teacher at Kamoi Primary School.

Named the course coordinator for the camp located at the border of Elgeyo Marakwet and Trans Nzoia County, Tiren says his ambition is to have good representation at next year’s world under 20 Championships.

“I can see a number of podium finishes from the junior athletes we have here. While we have other good athletes in middle and long distances, I know we shall use the opportunity to produce future steeplechase stars in Nairobi,” said Tiren who had good words for Allan Kiplagat, Nicholas Kiprotich and Cosmas Chebseba are the athletes to watch.