Do you know how many marathon runners in Kenya could potentially qualify for the Olympic Games?
Several hundred runners meet the Olympic standard in the marathon. In reality, however, a maximum of three are allowed to start.
In many other countries, the qualification of even a single runner for the Olympic marathon would already be a major success (the Olympic limit for Tokyo 2021 for men is 2:11:30), even though, in the end, the winners are usually athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia.
Possible Reasons for the Dominance of African Runners
One naturally wonders why African runners dominate the sport so strongly. The international athletics platform SweatElite explored this question. In addition to altitude (training and living in highlands over 2,000 meters above sea level), potentially advantageous genetics, lifestyle, and training conditions, nutrition could also play a very significant role.
Africa benefits from having far fewer industrially processed foods available. Most people in Kenya are self-sufficient. This means they eat what is grown locally. These foods happen to be ideal for runners.
How Do African Runners Eat?
The diet of African athletes consists of regional, mostly carbohydrate-rich foods. Even if it tastes plain, the favorite food of world-class athletes is "Ugali". This dish is made from cornmeal and water and tastes quite bland, but it is an excellent source of carbohydrates and is included in almost every meal, at least as a side dish. Locals even regard the simple dish "Ugali" as a miracle food for runners.
No Travel Without Ugali
Callum Jones even wrote in a column that athletes bring cornmeal to international competitions. For world-class runner Mary Keitany, cornmeal is one of the most important travel items, along with running shoes and apparel. Even before major events, athletes want to eat what they are accustomed to at home.
Proteins? Beans!
Besides Ugali, Kenyan athletes also eat fruits and vegetables, as well as milk, eggs, corn, meat, and legumes. Carbohydrate-rich foods like potatoes and rice are also on the menu, with Ugali usually being the preferred staple. Popular protein sources include legumes, beans, and poultry. Particularly affordable yet protein-rich beans are highly favored.
Sugar, Sugar, Sugar...
For drinks, many rely on the so-called Chai tea. How is this beverage prepared? Tea leaves are boiled in milk and water, and then several spoons of sugar are added, sometimes up to eight tablespoons. Even world-class African runners do not skip sugar in this drink. This is not concerning because athletes place little value on other sometimes sugar-rich supplements. With their carbohydrate-rich and energy-dense diet, they already have the necessary energy reserves for
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