Taking training to new heights

High-altitude Kenyan town welcomes Olympic champions and amateurs alike

As dawn breaks over the sleepy town of Iten, its dusty tracks come alive with packs of runners keeping a steady rhythm, often followed by cheerful children headed to school.

Some of the athletes are elite Kenyans. Others travel from farther afield.

All are here because this unassuming little town lies at about 2,400 meters above sea level and has produced some of the best long-distance runners in the world.