KATA Running Camps Expand to 10 Locations in Kenya with Ruth Chumo Leading New Site in Eldoret
The Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) has reached a major milestone with the launch of its 10th KATA Running Camp, as the movement continues to grow rapidly across Kenya. This bold initiative, which blends elite athletic training with sustainable agriculture, is transforming the future of distance running.
The two newest camps are now confirmed:
• KATA Camp 9 in Kamoi, led by coach David Kirui
• KATA Camp 10 in Eldoret, operated by Coach Ruth Chumo
Coach Ruth Chumo brings exceptional experience to the program. Based in Eldoret—the heart of Kenyan distance running—she has built her reputation training both abled and para-athletes at the highest level. Her deep commitment to athlete development and her proven leadership make her a vital addition to the KATA family.
“I am so excited about the group of operators we have put together,” says KATA Director Bob Anderson, founder of Runner’s World magazine. “Each of our operators is fully committed to the program and understands the importance of our KATA Potato Farm component. This provides year-round revenue that allows us to sustain and grow. Every camp already includes top-level athletes, and we’re going to achieve big things.”
Two of the current camps have already planted their first acre of KATA potatoes, marking an important step forward in the program’s sustainability model. These three-acre farms, tied to each running camp, are a core part of the KATA mission—providing food, responsibility, and revenue that keep the entire system running year-round.
The program is also delivering results on the track. Just last weekend, Olympic bronze medalist Edwin Soi, operator of the Kericho KATA Camp, ran an astonishing 27:30 for 10,000 meters, dominating his race and sending a strong message about the level of athletes being developed within the KATA system.
KATA’s leadership includes two Olympians:
• Edwin Soi, 5000m bronze medalist from the Beijing Olympics
• Paul Kipsiele Koech, one of the most accomplished steeplechasers in history, now operating the KATA Camp in Sotik
Their presence brings unmatched experience, mentorship, and international credibility.
At the heart of KATA is a powerful, dual-purpose model: athletes receive world-class training while also helping manage a working farm. The result is a program that builds champions and sustains itself through community-driven agriculture.
Round Two Begins October 1
The momentum is building. On October 1, KATA will launch Round Two of its program, aiming to establish 10 additional camps by November 1—doubling the total to 20.
“This is only the beginning of our aggressive, unique program,” says Anderson.
The long-term vision: 50 fully operational KATA Running Camps within three years, directly supporting nearly 1,000 elite Kenyan runners.
The KATA Partner Program
To help reach that goal, KATA is inviting select partners to be part of the movement and make a lasting impact.
Each partner:
• Can have their name on a camp. You too can now have your own training camp in Kenya under the umbrella of KATA.
• May choose to be actively involved (like coaching and selecting your own athletes) or take a passive role. (KATA will set everything up.)
• Will share in the gross revenue from the sale of KATA potatoes
• Will also participate in a percentage of prize money earned by athletes at their partnered camp
This is a rare opportunity to support a program built on performance, purpose, and sustainability—while being directly connected to the success of the next generation of Kenyan champions.
Want to get involved?
WhatsApp Bob Anderson at +1-650-400-6643 to learn how you can support or partner with KATA today.
Photos: Paul Kipsiele Koech KATA team in Sofia 2. Ruth Chumo 3. Ruth's KATA Camp outside of Eldoret 4. KATA athletes planting potatoes in Molo u der thr direction of camp operator Eric 5. KATA ten camps 6. KATA athletes in Iten 7. Preparing potatoes in Kapcherop 8. Paul Kipsiele Koech coaching his KATA athletes in Sotik.
posted Wednesday June 18th
by Boris Baron