MEXICO: Kenyan runners are flocking to competitions in Mexico in search of cash prizes and international exposure

Drawn by favourable migration laws and numerous amateur race competitions with attractive prize money, Kenyan runners are becoming a regular feature on the Mexican athletics circuit. Prize money in amateur competitions ranges from 500 to 22,000 US dollars per race. Kenya has produced some of the world's top runners, but not everyone can make it big. Bob Anyancha, a 26 year-old Kenyan, came to Mexico four months ago and has competed at seasonal competitions for the past three years. He hopes to compete at higher profile races in other countries soon. But he's only managed to secure eighth place and 500 US dollars at this race in San Luis Potosi. "We compete as brothers. The way they train is the way we train, right now. We have the same experience, so it depends on the day. The one who won is very strong, much strong," Anyancha says. Bob lives with five other Kenyans in the city of Zacatecas, 646 kilometres north of Mexico City. The high altitude of the city - 2,440 metres above sea level - and rough terrain offer ideal training conditions for the Kenyans. They rent a house for 90 US dollars a month and all contribute towards paying for food. Every day, they wake up before dawn to train for two to three hours out on the streets. They don't have a coach and an injury can be a dreadful blow to their careers. They all hope to turn professional soon. For the past four years, Kefah Kerora has competed in Mexico. He's competed for 13 years in several countries. "As a professional runner you have to make money. If you don't make money then you are not a professional runner. Then you don't even come. And you can't even afford to pay the ticket. As a professional runner, you need to fly out and people need to see you and also you need to show people what you've done," says Kerora. It's hard being away from their family and friends, but the money they win helps pay bills back home. The training, experience and exposure they receive could also lead to competition at higher levels for larger sums of money. "In Kenya, I think we have a talent for running. So we have to go outside and show the world that we are a group of people running and we like running," said Ben Jerova, one of the Kenyan runners. Mexican manager, Ramon Diaz, has represented Kenyan athletes since 2000. He helps them look for sponsorships opportunities and selects marathons for them. "The majority do not have the level that they had before. There are two or three new runners and maybe they have the hope to compete at international level, but most have tried, they are tired but they have to continue feeding their families. This is a job they do to maintain their families in Kenya," said Diaz. Other Kenyans train in Mexico City and Toluca where they spend long periods of time. They alternate their seasons with visits to Kenya and travel to the U.S., Canada and Central and South America to compete in other races. Most have their sights set on participating in the Mexico City marathon, which will take place next August. Between 1,000 and 23,000 US dollars prize money will be shared among top 12 runners.

ITN Source | July 6, 2007

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