Spartan running retreat forges Kenya's future champions

KAPTAGAT, Kenya — Daily training, frugal living, shared household chores: The Kaptagat camp, where Kenyan athletics stars Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon are preparing for the Paris Games, is a protected retreat, known for its focus on self-discipline.

This small complex in Kenya's Rift Valley, perched at an altitude of 2,500 meters between forests and corn plantations, was founded in 2002 by former runner-turned-coach Patrick Sang and the Dutch athlete management agency, Global Sports Communication.

"The idea was to help young athletes develop their potential, because, here in Kenya, many don't have access to training facilities or to the support of a coach," Sang said.