Kenyan long distance runner Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa, 27, poses in his room at a training camp in Iten, western Kenya, April 12, 2016. Thomas has competed at the Olympics before and was the Kenyan 5000 meters champion from 2007. [Photo/Agencies]

The town also draws less experienced athletes aspiring for glory in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August, and disabled sportsmen and women aiming to compete in the Paralympics.

"I hope to be able to participate in the Rio Olympics this year," said Thomas Pkemei, a 27-year-old runner in one Iten camp who is getting ready for Kenya's qualifying contests next month.

"The biggest obstacle is to keep on working to improve your ability and to overcome your injuries when they do happen," said Pkemei, Kenyan champion for the 5,000 metres in 2007.