KERICHO, Kenya - At dawn in Kericho’s highlands, the red dirt roads echo with the rhythmic sound of running feet. Among the lean silhouettes slicing through the mist is Emmanuel Kiptoo Langat (Manuu), a 33-year-old road runner whose journey began in the rugged terrain of Chorwa, a small village in Nakuru County bordering Kenya’s vast Mau Forest. His story is not just about chasing personal bests but also about cultivating resilience—both on the track and in his community.
Roots in Chorwa
Chorwa is a remote village in Kuresoi, where life is as harsh as it is beautiful. The nearby Mau Forest shelters wildlife and rivers that feed the Rift Valley, but daily survival was a struggle.
“Life there was very hard—even getting food was a problem,” Emmanuel recalls. School added its own challenges: he often ran 10 kilometers each way just to attend class. What began as necessity became passion. “On sports day, I ran all the way to the national level. That’s when I knew I could run.”
His spark was fueled by Olympian Edwin Cheruiyot Soi, who runs a training camp in Kuresoi with support from the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA). “He motivated me to believe running could change my life,” Emmanuel says.
First Strides in Athletics
In 2016, encouraged by a friend, Emmanuel joined a training camp in Kericho. His breakthrough came at a 10,000m race in Kisumu County. “That race gave me hope,” he says. A highlight followed at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium in a 5km race: “I enjoyed it so much. I will never forget that day.”
Challenges were constant. Running shoes were scarce, and he often relied on friends for gear. Yet his times speak volumes: 13:20 for 5000m, 28:04 for 10km, and 63:00 for the half marathon—marks that confirm his talent in Kenya’s deep distance-running field.
Balancing Running and Farming
While pursuing his running dreams, Emmanuel also supervises the KATA potato farming initiative, a project led by Bob Anderson, founder of Runner’s World magazine and the Kenya Athletics Training Academy.
“When I saw this project, I was happy because it could support many athletes,” he says. Emmanuel oversees planting, harvesting, and distribution—work that helps athletes cover food and camp needs. “It’s unique because it gives us stability, letting us focus more on training and performance.”
For him, farming mirrors running: “From athletics I’ve learned discipline and patience. From farming I’ve learned resilience and the value of hard work.”
A Bridge Between Sport and Sustainability
The synergy between running and agriculture provides athletes with more than meals—it provides a safety net. “Farming gives us a stable source of income beyond running. It offers security for the future,” Emmanuel says.
Transformation Through Running
Running has given Emmanuel confidence, friendships, and economic stability. His family, once burdened by poverty, now supports him wholeheartedly. “They see athletics and farming giving me direction and stability,” he explains.
Giving Back and Inspiring Others
In Chorwa, young runners now look up to Emmanuel as he once looked up to Edwin Soi. His message is simple: “Be disciplined, patient, and never give up, because success in running takes time.”
He hopes to mentor future athletes and be remembered not only as a runner but also as “a supervisor who supported others and a role model who uplifted the community.”
Life Beyond the Track
When not training or supervising farms, Emmanuel relaxes by watching football—he is a devoted Manchester United fan. Yet his heart remains tied to running, each stride reminding him of the Mau Forest, his beginnings, and the community he represents.
The Road Ahea
Emmanuel’s eyes are fixed on improving his half marathon and marathon times. His journey reflects more than athletics—it embodies resilience, sustainability, and shared success.
“Running is not just about speed or endurance,” he says. “It’s about rising from hardship, cultivating dreams like potatoes in the soil, and sharing the harvest with others.”
As the sun sets over Kericho’s hills, Emmanuel prepares for another early morning run—carrying not only his ambitions but also the hopes of a community where sport and sustainability run side by side.