Lead image for Kenya’s running stars attract suspicion and awe – research gives a more human picture.
In April 2026, Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe became the first person to officially run the marathon in under two hours. This milestone was anxiously awaited by the running world.
The discussions that followed touched on several topics. These ranged from the “secrets” of Kenyan running successes, to the new-fangled “super shoes” Sawe and others wore during the race. From curiosity about his running statistics leading to a spoof app account to suspicions of doping that haunt many Kenyan runners.
In Kenya, Sawe’s family and neighbours noted the pride and joy they felt. Politicians hailed the performance as a symbol of national pride.
For anyone who pays attention to Kenyan distance running, conversations like these are not uncommon. Elite Kenyan athletes regularly record world-beating results. They’re followed by outpourings of pride and an interest in the secrets that underpin such performances.
As scholars who study the history of Kenyan running, we believe such debates fail to take into account many of the valuable experiences that define the lives of Kenyan runners.
They seldom include the ways Kenyan athletes use the sport to pursue social mobility, connect with local communities, and navigate unequal, racialised treatment in the sport.
Exploring these themes helps us better understand how Kenyan athletes experience the full range of what it means to be human. They push us to think critically about both the possibilities and limits of sport as a way to expand human potential and connection.