It has been a common sight during my morning walks over the past nine years in Kapchorwa, yet it still feels special every time: the rhythmic sound of footsteps on the red-dirt trails, the steady breathing, runners moving in sync. We are based in Uganda’s Land of Champions, where Olympic gold medalists and world-record holders don’t train in fancy facilities but on ordinary community trails — the same trails where they once ran barefoot to school, and where you can accidentally meet or even run alongside them today.
But what makes Kapchorwa and Kween the birthplace of so many world-class runners? The answer lies in deep cultural roots, an unbreakable discipline, and the fascinating 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 children of the Mosopisiek highlands, a hidden gem in Kween District. A place of vast green farmlands, unexplored waterfalls and a healthy, forest-based lifestyle that has become rare in today’s modern world.
The Mosopisiek people, also known as the Ndorobos or Benet, are 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 carried with them a strong bond with nature, an endurance-based lifestyle and a quiet mountain resilience. These traits would unknowingly shape 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 an insight that resonated deeply with my own experience in Kapchorwa:
‘‘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 group of young runners 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 or 3 day immersive trek that follows the footsteps of Uganda’s running ancestors, and teaches you invaluable lessons about their healthy lifestyle in a fun and engaging way.
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 rustic 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 discovered his talent.
Today, the tarmacked road to Kwoti leads to the Teryet National High Altitude Training Center, where Joshua still trains alongside upcoming runners. He built a new house for his parents in Kwoti, and another for himself and his family along the new road - just a stone’s throw from our Guesthouse.
🏃🏼♂️ Run past Kwoti village and Joshua’s private track during Run Kapchorwa’s steep ‘Up’ route to the National High Altitude 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, on the right side of the road, he built his own running camp.
The writer of this blog with Joshua Cheptegei with some of 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
✨ Winner Chicago Marathon (2025), World Cross Country Champion (2023 + 2024) & 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 unspoiled valleys, past waterfalls and maize fields.
🥾 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 2021 - 3000m steeplechase)
📌 Home village: Barawa, near Kapchorwa Town
In a culture where running was once dominated by men, and where women don’t naturally hold an empowered position in society, Peruth Chemutai challenged expectations, becoming Uganda’s first female Olympic champion. Her home, Barawa village, lies just outside Kapchorwa Town, surrounded by coffee & matoke plantations and scenic hills.
Despite her global success, Peruth remains grounded and deeply connected to her community. Whenever we have visitors - and she is not training or resting - she welcomes them with humility and warmth.
🏃🏼♂️➡️ Pass Peruth’s home during a guided run on the Champion’s Trail!
Runners from Jinja on the Champion’s Trail close to Peruth Chemutai’s home. Photo credit: Collins Cheshewa
The Hidden Running Culture of the Mosopisiek 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 natural 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 2000m above sea level 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 Olympic and World champions
Explore the Mosopisiek Trail: Hike to the ancestral villages of Uganda’s running legends and immerse into their natural and healthy lifestyle.
Join our Cooking with the Kapchorwa Mamas experience: Learn about the most important ingredients in the diet of running champions.
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 hub for running & adventure 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:
Discovering the Roots of Uganda’s Running Champions (page 14-16, Adventure Tourism Uganda magazine)
A Hotbed of Distance Running Talent Emerges in Uganda (Jonathan Rosen, New York Times)
Curious to meet the people and hidden gems behind Uganda’s running greatness?
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.
