In the early morning mist of Kapchorwa, a rhythmic sound fills the air: footsteps on red dirt trails, steady breathing, runners moving in sync. This is Uganda’s Land of Champions, where Olympic gold medalists and world record holders train. Not in fancy facilities, but on the very hills where they once ran barefoot to school.
But what makes Kapchorwa and Kween the birthplace of so many world-class runners? The answer lies not just in altitude or training routines, but in deep cultural roots, an unbreakable discipline and the ancestral lands of the Mosopisiek people.
Let’s dive in!
Jacob Kiplimo (left) and Joshua Cheptegei (right) during a training session at Sebei college in 2017. Photo credit: Daan Oxener
🏆 KAPCHORWA: UGANDA’s LAND OF RUNNING CHAMPIONS
Where It All Begins: The Hills of the Mosopisiek
Before the world knew names like Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo and Peruth Chemutai, they were simply children of the highlands. Running through green farmlands, herding cattle across steep slopes and chasing their dreams with every step.
Their story begins in the hidden villages of the Mosopisiek people, a sub-tribe of the Sabiny who lived deep in Mount Elgon’s remote forests until they were displaced in the 1990s. Forced to move to lower altitudes, they brought with them a strong bond with nature, an endurance-based lifestyle and a quiet mountain resilience. These traits unknowingly shaped Uganda’s future Olympic champions.
Young runners at Kapchelal training hill in the heart of Mosopisiek land, Kween District. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
A life lesson from Joshua Cheptegei
In June 2022, while setting off on a multi-day trek to uncover the roots and secrets behind Kapchorwa’s running champions, Joshua Cheptegei shared a thought that stayed with me:
‘‘Life has its ups and downs, just like it does for runners like me, and for the people living in the tough Mosopisiek landscape. You just have to keep trying and pushing.”
Along the way, we came across Kapchelal hill, where coach-athlete Martin Kiplimo and his training group were hard at work. This steep trail is well known among local runners for building strength and stamina. Some even say it’s the place champions return to for a final test before big international races.
📍 Curious about hills like Kapchelal?
Join the Mosopisiek Trail, a 2–3 day immersive trek that follows in the footsteps of Uganda’s running ancestors, through the remote highland villages that shaped them.
The writer of this blog meeting ‘Simba’, Cheptegei’s grandpa, during a 3-day trekking in June 2022. Photo credit: Juma Chebet
Meet the Champions & Their Childhood Villages
Joshua Cheptegei: The Pride of Kwoti
✨ Olympic Gold Medalist (3x)
🌍 World Record Holder (5,000m & 10,000m)
📌 Home village: Kwoti (2,200m ASL)
Just five kilometers above Kapchorwa Town, the village of Kwoti rests at 2,200 meters above sea level. This is where Joshua Cheptegei grew up, running barefoot along steep ridges long before the world knew his name.
Today, the tarmacked road to Kwoti leads to the Teryet National High-Altitude Training Center, where Joshua still trains alongside Uganda’s next generation. But his roots remain firmly in his home village. He even built a new house for his parents there, close to where his journey began.
🏃🏼♂️ Run past Kwoti village and Joshua’s private track during Run Kapchorwa’s steep 'Up' route to the National Training Center.
ℹ️ When delays slowed the construction of the government-run facility, Joshua took matters into his own hands. Just one kilometer below Teryet, he built his own running camp.
The writer of this blog with Joshua Cheptegei and his cousins & uncles at their home in Kwoti in August 2014 (a few days after Joshua’s Junior World Championships Gold) Photo credit: Fred Cherich
Jacob Kiplimo: From Hidden Valley to World Stage
✨ World Cross Country Champion (2023) & World Half Marathon Champion (2020)
⏱ Fastest Half Marathon Ever (56:42) in 2025
📌 Home village: Likil, Kween District
Beyond Kapchorwa, deep in the rolling green hills of Kween, lies Likil village: the birthplace of Jacob Kiplimo. Raised in a simple home, Jacob grew up running through the valleys, past waterfalls and maize fields, long before stepping onto the world stage.
📌 Hike to Mengia Waterfall: Experience the raw beauty of Kiplimo’s homeland on the Kapchorwa-Benet Trail, our scenic village-to-viewpoint-to-waterfall trek.
ℹ️ To this day, Mengia Waterfall isn’t on Google Maps, a sign of its remoteness and the unique, off-the-beaten-path adventures that await you here.😊
Jacob Kiplimo’s home village Likil with the stunning Mengia waterfall on the backdrop. Photo credit: Daan Oxener
Peruth Chemutai: Breaking Barriers in Barawa
✨ First Ugandan Woman to Win Olympic Gold (Tokyo 2020 – 3,000m Steeplechase)
📌 Home village: Barawa, near Kapchorwa Town
In a culture where running was once dominated by men, Peruth Chemutai challenged expectations, becoming Uganda’s first female Olympic champion. Her home, Barawa village, lies just outside Kapchorwa Town, surrounded by coffee plantations and scenic hills.
Despite her global success, Peruth remains deeply connected to her Community. When a group of Kampala-based tour operators visited her home in 2022, she welcomed them with her humility and warmth.
🏃🏼♂️➡️ Pass Peruth’s home during a guided run on the Champion’s Trail!
Jinja-based runners on the Champion’s Trail close to Peruth Chemutai’s home. Photo credit: Collins Cheshewa
🛖 The Hidden Running Culture of the Sebei People
Why Do So Many Champions Come From Here?
❌ No luxury. No shortcuts. No excuses.
The secret to Kapchorwa’s running success lies in the everyday lifestyle of its people:
🏃♂️ Kids grow up running everywhere: to school, the market and while herding cattle. It’s all done on foot.
⛰️ Altitude is normal. Living above 2,000m ASL naturally conditions the body for endurance.
🥬 Food is fuel. Athletes eat organic, nutrient-rich foods like fresh greens, local honey and posho (a staple made from maize or millet flour).
💪🏽 Toughness is a way of life. Sebei culture values hard work, humility and perseverance, the same mindset needed for long-distance running.
Running along the borders of Mount Elgon National Park, at only 3 kilometers from Kapchorwa Town. Photo credit: Mark Callaghan
🏃 RUN OR WALK in the Footsteps of Champions
Whether you’re a serious athlete or just a lover of adventure, Kapchorwa offers a rare chance to experience a unique running culture first-hand.
Top running (Culture) experiences in Kapchorwa
Run the Champions’ Trail: A (relatively!) easy 5,3 km run past the homes of no less than four champions🔥
Explore the Mosopisiek Trail: Hike to the ancestral villages of Uganda’s running legends🌿
Join our Bee Active Honey Tour: Learn about the important role of honey in the runner’s diet🐝
Are you a more fanatic runner? Book a fully-fledged running holiday with our affiliate Run Kapchorwa🏃🏻♀️
Stay at our Home of Friends Guesthouse: A training hub where elite runners often drop by for fresh juice or a nutritious meal after their workouts🏡
Joshua Cheptegei enjoying his favorite cocktail juice and vegetarian meal in the garden of Home of Friends. Photo credit: NN Running Team
🎓More info & publications on Kapchorwa running
Read and learn more about Kapchorwa’s running culture through the following publications:
This blog is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur who is based in Kapchorwa since 2016. Daan manages Home of Friends Guesthouse, together with his wife Eliza. He is passionate about documenting Mount Elgon’s beautiful nature and remarkable culture. Daan is also engaged in Community & youth empowerment through adventure tourism.
