Concern as Marakwet is slowly losing its name as the home of champions

Kenya's Silas Kiplagat competes in a heat of the men's 1500 metres athletics event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium in Beijing on August 27, 2015. [AFP PHOTO]

From Sibow and Sakat along the Kerio Valley to Kapyego and Kapcherop and to the hilly Kapkomora and Tirap, the mountainous Marakwet in Elgeyo Marakwet County became an embodiment of athletics talent.

During the 1990s and 2000s, it produced Kenya’s track maestros including former 3000m steeplechase world record holder and multiple world champion Moses Kiptanui, former 3000m steeplechase Olympic champion Reuben Kosgei and 10,000m star the late Richard Chelimo.