Run Like the Wind: A Geographical Look at Kenyan Supremacy in Long Di :: essays research papers fc

Run Like the roll out A Geographical Look At Kenyan Supremacy in Long Distance RunningIn East Africa, there is an cranial orbit know as the Great break Valley. It is in this Great good luck Valley, where the solid grounds most dominant long distance runners interpose from, Kenya. In the past three decades, runners from Kenya have simply henpecked the fluctuation of long distance running in all grimacets including cross-country, track, and the marathon. In the public rankings for marathon running, Kenyans hold 8 of the top 10 spots for the work force and 6 of the top ten spots in womens rankings. (Entine, Par. 2) unless how can one country be so overpowering in a sport that anyone can participate in? There atomic number 18 a number of factors that all work to go farher to make Kenyan runners the trounce of the best. Rigorous training regimens, the physical geography of Kenya, country and world support of the athletes, genetics and early participation of children be all factors in the study of why Kenyan runners are by far the best long distance runners in the world. To start off, you must look at the physical geography in which the Kenyans train.Kenya is located in East Africa and is dominated by the Great Rift Valley. A rift valley actual from faulting caused by tension in the earths crust. The sides of the valley are usually steep and can be up to 2,000 meters high. The Great Rift Valley gives Kenya areas of great elevation. This elevation equals thinning of the air as you get to higher and higher altitudes, which makes it more difficult to breath, especially when running. This altitude summation the equatorial latitudes creates and ideal climate for sustained outdoor activity intimately warm days, cool nights, low humidity. That with the altitudes aerobic benefits, make how Kenyas highlands are ideal for distance running. It should also be notable that every one of the countrys world-class runners is a highlander. In an hour and 40 minute s they run more than 15 miles over uneven red clay, dodging small herds of cattle and donkeys laden with sacks of potatoesThe course climbs more that 3,000 feet, from and elevation of slightly more than 6,500 feet at the river to nearly 10,000 at the peak, where oxygen is precious and a cruel wind slices across the face of the hill. (Layden, par. 2)It is in this environment that the Kenyan runners perform their grueling training regimens.