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KATA had assembled 30 running camps and planned to double that number. Its model used repayable, interest-free startup financing and potato farming to create a self-sustaining national network—but the expected repayments never materialized.

By Robert Kibet

Could a network of 60 self-supporting training camps have transformed life for 1,800 promising Kenyan runners?

That was the vision behind the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) programme created by Bob and Catherine Anderson.

KATA had assembled 30 running camps and planned to expand to at least 60. At 30 athletes per camp, the completed network could have provided accommodation, food and high-level training for approximately 1,800 runners at one time.

The objective was not simply to produce champions. KATA sought to improve daily living and training conditions for developing athletes while strengthening grassroots coaching.

The programme was ambitious, but it was not intended to depend permanently upon money from the Andersons.

(These eight photographs were among more than 5,000 images sent to KATA founder Bob Anderson and his team as evidence of how the programme was progressing.

The photographs showed why individual coaches and camp operators believed they should receive interest-free loans and become part of the KATA family. Others documented the development of the camps, potato farming activities and the required 10-kilometre time trials held every two months.

In September 2025, athletes from most of the 30 KATA camps travelled to Thika to compete in the KATA Double Road Race, where KSh100,000 in prize money was awarded. At that point, the programme appeared to be working as planned.

The situation changed shortly afterward. Potato harvests were completed and crops were sold, but despite repeated explanations and delays, very little of the money collected was returned to KATA.)

How a camp was supposed to become self-supporting

KATA’s financial model began with two interest-free loans.

The first supplied the capital required to open a running camp. An approved operator could receive as much as KSh500,000 for rent, beds, mattresses, furniture, food and other startup needs.

That money remained a debt to KATA. It was not a gift, grant or donation.

A second interest-free loan financed potato cultivation at a projected cost of approximately KSh100,000 per acre.

The plan called for the harvest revenue to retire both debts—the farming advance and the camp-establishment advance—before the remaining proceeds were used locally.

Potatoes were chosen because they are Kenya’s second-most important food crop after maize and form an industry worth an estimated US$400 million to US$500 million annually.

KATA’s working projection placed gross sales from a successful acre at about KSh400,000. This was a programme estimate rather than a guaranteed or national average result. Actual returns depended upon production, disease, weather and selling prices.

The projected economics of three acres illustrate the plan:

Estimated cultivation loan: KSh300,000;

Projected gross sales: KSh1.2 million;

Repayment of cultivation financing: KSh300,000;

Repayment of camp startup financing: up to KSh500,000; and

Potential balance for athletes and the next season: approximately KSh400,000.

Under this model, one strong three-acre harvest could potentially clear the money advanced to establish the camp and grow the crop. The following season could then help pay for food, housing and training while keeping the farm productive.

“We did not give away startup money,” Anderson said. “We provided interest-free loans that had to be repaid. The potatoes were the engine intended to repay both loans and create continuing income for the athletes.”

From 30 camps to a potential 60

Bob and Catherine Anderson say they invested more than KSh42 million in the wider programme.

Approximately KSh36 million was provided as interest-free financing, with more than KSh6 million spent on Kenyan independent contractors and related operational expenses.

The Andersons did not form a Kenyan company. Their California-based operation directed the programme and retained independent contractors in Kenya for coordination and monitoring.

If 75 percent of participating coaches, farmers and operators had repaid their loans, Anderson believes KATA would have had enough revolving capital to strengthen the 30 camps and expand to 60.

“The money was supposed to keep moving,” he said. “A repayment from one harvest could help establish or strengthen another camp. We would not have needed to start again with new outside money every season.”

A 60-camp network supporting 1,800 runners could also have developed a significant voice within Kenyan athletics.

“KATA was not created to oppose Athletics Kenya,” Anderson said. “But an independent programme improving conditions for 1,800 athletes would naturally have carried influence.”

Anderson has wondered whether that potential might have concerned people who wanted to control opportunities within the sport. He emphasizes that he has no evidence Athletics Kenya attempted to undermine KATA.

Charles Ngeno and claims of high-level access

While developing two proposed KATA camps, coach Charles Ng’eno repeatedly portrayed himself to Anderson as closely connected to leading figures in Kenyan athletics.

On July 22, 2025, Ng’eno wrote:

“I need to brief you tomorrow about good news we discussed with AK PRESIDENT about KATA.”

The message did not explain the “good news,” and no response from the Athletics Kenya president has been provided to confirm that discussion.

Ng’eno also sent photographs appearing to show him attending Athletics Kenya functions, including one in which he sat behind an Athletics Kenya nameplate and another showing him addressing a gathering.

The photographs indicate attendance at athletics-related events. They do not prove that AK supported KATA or authorized Ng’eno to speak on its behalf.

Ng’eno also supplied Anderson with messages addressed to senior athletics official Barnabas Korir.

In one, Ng’eno told Korir:

“You expressed happiness with KATA.”

He further attributed to Korir statements about protecting KATA because of its importance in empowering young people.

The screenshots do not show Korir confirming the statements. It remains unclear whether all the communications were sent, received or answered.

Prominent athletes and coaches

Ng’eno strengthened the appearance of influence by invoking other respected names.

In June 2025, he sent Anderson a message addressed to Faith Kipyegon in which he described himself as her “grassroots coach.” The screenshot contains no response from Kipyegon and does not independently establish the extent of Ng’eno’s early coaching role.

Ng’eno later said prominent coach Bernard Rono had consulted him about KATA and joined the programme.

“We are glad to have him with us at KATA,” Anderson replied. “We have a strong group of operators!”

Anderson says the combined effect of the messages and AK photographs was significant.

“Charles made it appear that he was plugged into the highest levels of Kenyan athletics,” Anderson said. “That gave me confidence that he could build successful camps and bring respected people into the KATA network.”

Whether Ng’eno accurately described those relationships remains unconfirmed.

Two camps appeared to be taking shape

Ng’eno supported his requests for money with budgets, reports, photographs and videos.

After confirming receipt of KSh40,000 in June 2025, he sent a photograph of a truck at a residential property and said he was installing items at the camp.

He later requested financing for nearby land, reported renting a house in Nakuru and sought money for beds and mattresses.

On August 3, Ng’eno submitted figures for the proposed Olenguruone and Nakuru camps. His presentation referred to a combined KSh1.3 million budget and reported KSh531,400 used for farming and camp expenses.

The KSh1.3 million was the proposed allocation—not the amount Anderson ultimately transferred.

Anderson says Ng’eno actually received KSh1,077,500. The funding was intended to establish two camps and cultivate six acres.

A video Ng’eno sent on August 5 appeared to show young athletes training indoors.

“These are the real stars,” he wrote, predicting they could reach the next World Cross Country Championships.

The material led Anderson to believe the camps were progressing.

“I could see athletes training and equipment apparently arriving,” he said. “It looked as though the programme was creating exactly what we intended. 

Red flags halted further funding

Ng’eno continued presenting expansion plans, but promised repayments did not arrive.

In November 2025, he told Anderson nearly KSh600,000 would be paid before the end of December, followed by another KSh200,000 in January or February.

Ng’eno also referred to a plot of land allegedly worth KSh1.5 million that could be sold to clear the debt.

At the same time, he continued seeking additional money. When an account was restricted because no repayment had arrived, Ng’eno suggested that funds be sent through his wife’s M-Pesa number or another person.

Anderson refused to bypass the restriction.

In January 2026, Ng’eno made another commitment:

“Yes Bob, I need to start with 400,000 ksh.”

He said he was responsible and “must do payments.” He also attributed the delay to money spent constructing a residential building that would become a KATA camp.

Anderson says the KSh400,000 was not paid.

Ng’eno later attempted to persuade him to finance another six acres with approximately KSh600,000 in additional interest-free funding.

Anderson declined.

“I probably would have sent more if the promised repayments had started,” he said. “Fortunately, each missed date raised another red flag. I stopped after KSh1,077,500.”

What is known—and what remains unverified

The available communications show that Ng’eno:

Claimed to have discussed KATA with the Athletics Kenya president;

Attributed favorable statements about KATA to Barnabas Korir;

Presented himself as connected to leading athletes and coaches;

Supplied budgets and reports for two camps;

Sent images appearing to show camp development and athletes training;

Continued seeking new funding; and

Made several substantial repayment promises.

They do not establish whether Athletics Kenya endorsed or opposed KATA, whether the named officials made the statements attributed to them or how all the money was ultimately used.

There is no current evidence that Athletics Kenya developed or participated in a plan to stop KATA.

There is evidence that Ng’eno’s representations increased Anderson’s confidence in the camps and the wider programme.

Questions for Ng’eno and Athletics Kenya

Ng’eno should be asked:

What did he discuss with the Athletics Kenya president?

Did Barnabas Korir make the statements attributed to him?

What official athletics positions did Ng’eno hold?

How many athletes lived and trained at the two camps?

Was the residential building completed and operated as a KATA camp?

How was the KSh1,077,500 used?

What income was produced by the six acres?

Why were the promised repayments not made?

Did he own the reported KSh1.5 million property?

Athletics Kenya and the officials named in Ng’eno’s messages should have an opportunity to clarify what they knew about KATA and whether their positions were represented accurately.

Grand—but not impossible

KATA’s vision was undeniably large: 60 camps capable of supporting 1,800 runners.

Its financial premise was that repaid loans would become revolving capital. Each successful camp and harvest would help finance the next cycle of athlete support.

“The vision may have been grand, but it was not impossible,” Anderson said. “We already had 30 camps. What failed was the repayment system and our reliance on reports that were not independently verified.”

Whether Ng’eno truthfully described his Athletics Kenya discussions remains unanswered. Whether AK understood KATA’s potential scale is also unclear.

What is clear is that the programme was not offering free startup money. Every camp and agricultural advance was an interest-free loan that had to be returned.

Without those repayments, the revolving system stopped—and the planned network of 60 camps has never became a reality.  If only most of the KATA operators had paid back their loan! "When they do things could still get back on track," says Bob Anderson. 

Ethiopia delivered a remarkable double victory at the 2026 Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon on Sunday, November 15, with Wede Kefale and Addisu Gobena emerging victorious in the women's and men's races respectively.

Staged along the spectacular Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the event brought together some of the finest distance runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and other nations for a fiercely contested 21.097-kilometre challenge across one of the world's most recognisable sea-crossing structures.

The competition produced impressive performances, with Ethiopia showcasing its depth in distance running while Kenyan athletes also secured several places among the leading finishers.

In the women's contest, Kefale produced a composed and determined performance to secure the biggest prize of the day. She crossed the finish line in 1:09:01, holding off a strong challenge from South Africa's Glenrose Xaba, who finished second in 1:09:09. Ethiopia's Fantu Worku completed the podium in 1:09:14, making it an exceptionally close battle among the leading three women, who were separated by just 13 seconds.

The Ethiopian victory was particularly impressive given the quality of the field. Xaba, one of South Africa's leading distance runners, pushed hard throughout the contest but ultimately had to settle for second, while Worku demonstrated Ethiopia's remarkable strength by securing another podium position.

Kefale's victory was supported by an impressive Ethiopian presence throughout the top 10. Baraky Redae finished fourth in 1:09:51, followed by compatriot Asmarech Anley in fifth with 1:10:21. Kenya's Miriam Chebet was sixth in 1:11:05, ahead of Morocco's Fatima Ezzahra Birdaha, who clocked 1:11:23. Kazakhstan's Daisy Jepkemei placed eighth in 1:11:42, while Ethiopia's Zewudie Wudu finished ninth in 1:12:08. Kenya's Priscah Jepleting Cherono completed the top 10 in 1:12:29.

The men's race provided another memorable moment for Ethiopia as 22-year-old Addisu Gobena claimed the overall victory, He clocked 1:01:33 to finish ahead of compatriot Aliyi Kasim, who secured second place in 1:02:29.

Kenya's Alex Lenalepisho delivered a strong performance to take third in 1:02:47, preventing a complete Ethiopian sweep of the men's podium. Morocco's Othmane El Goumri finished fourth in 1:03:07, while Kenya's Abel Kiplimo followed in fifth with 1:03:33

Kenyan representation remained particularly strong throughout the men's top 10. Ezra Kipketer Tanui finished sixth in 1:05:32, followed by Ethiopia's Tafere Adisu in seventh with 1:05:35. Kenya's Meshack Kipchirchir placed eighth in 1:06:01, Benard Kipkorir was ninth in 1:06:15, and compatriot Sena Ledama completed the top 10 in 1:06:21.

Gobena's triumph adds another impressive achievement to Ethiopia's growing presence on the international road-running circuit, while the performances of Kasim and Lenalepisho underlined the competitive depth of the men's field.

The 2026 edition was also significant for the event itself, having earned World Athletics Platinum Label status, placing it among the highest-rated road-running competitions internationally. The bridge provided a spectacular setting for the contest, bringing together elite athletes from different countries for a memorable day of long-distance racing. 

Beyond the podium, the results highlighted the international character of the competition, with athletes from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Kazakhstan featuring prominently in the leading positions.

Ethiopia therefore left Hong Kong with both overall titles, while Kenya had plenty of reasons to take encouragement from its strong representation across both races.

For the organisers, the successful staging of this Platinum Label competition represents another important milestone in the development of road running in Hong Kong. For the athletes, it was an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition on a distinctive course that offered a memorable backdrop to the racing.

American sprint sensation Noah Lyles could be preparing to chase one of the most extraordinary achievements in athletics history after dropping a tantalising hint about his ambitions for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.

The four-time world 200m champion has sparked excitement among athletics fans after sharing a cryptic message on social media reading “4x ? 2027”, raising speculation that he could be targeting an unprecedented four gold medals when the global championships return to the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium.

Although Lyles has yet to confirm exactly which events he intends to contest, the possibility of a four-event campaign has become particularly intriguing following World Athletics’ announcement that the mixed 4x100m relay will make its World Championships debut in Beijing.

Such an opportunity could open the door for the American superstar to compete for gold in the men's 100m, 200m, men's 4x100m relay and the newly introduced mixed 4x100m relay.

For Lyles, Beijing could represent much more than another opportunity to add to his impressive collection of championship medals. It could be the stage where he attempts to establish himself as the most successful male athlete in World Athletics Championships history.

The 100m would undoubtedly be one of his biggest attractions. Having claimed the world title in Budapest in 2023 before completing his remarkable rise to Olympic glory at the Paris 2024 Games, Lyles knows exactly what it takes to rule the world's premier sprinting stage. However, he will be eager to reclaim the global crown after settling for bronze behind compatriots in the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

The 200m, meanwhile, remains his strongest territory. Lyles has established an extraordinary legacy over the half-lap distance, winning four consecutive World Championships titles in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025. In Tokyo, he matched Usain Bolt's remarkable achievement of four successive world 200m crowns, further strengthening his reputation as one of the greatest performers the event has ever witnessed.

His ambitions would also extend to the relays, where he has repeatedly demonstrated his value to Team USA. Lyles has already collected four World Championships gold medals in the men's 4x100m relay, including victories in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025. Another successful campaign in Beijing would provide an opportunity to add to that impressive record.

The introduction of the mixed 4x100m relay could make the challenge even more fascinating. With the event officially scheduled to make its World Championships debut in Beijing, the competition will offer another opportunity for the world's leading sprinters to showcase their speed on the global stage.

Beyond the possibility of four gold medals, however, there is an even bigger historical prize waiting for Lyles.

The American currently boasts eight World Athletics Championships gold medals. Winning four more in Beijing would take his career tally to 12, moving him beyond Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, whose 11 world titles remain the benchmark for male athletes in the competition's history.

That would be a remarkable achievement for an athlete who has never hidden his admiration for Bolt and his desire to reach the heights established by the Jamaican legend.

Interestingly, the Bird's Nest Stadium carries its own special place in sprinting history. It was at the same venue during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games that Bolt announced himself to the world with his breathtaking performances in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. Nearly two decades later, the iconic stadium could provide the setting for another extraordinary chapter in sprinting history.

For Lyles, the challenge will be enormous. Successfully navigating four demanding events, managing the competition schedule and delivering at the highest level across individual and relay races would require exceptional preparation, consistency and teamwork.

Nothing has yet been confirmed regarding his participation in all four disciplines, but his intriguing message has certainly given athletics followers something exciting to anticipate.

Could Beijing 2027 become the championship where Noah Lyles transforms an ambitious dream into an unforgettable reality?

Four events, four potential gold medals and the possibility of surpassing one of the greatest sprinting legends of all time. The countdown to Beijing promises to be fascinating.

What began as one of the most entertaining and talked-about stories of the 2026 New York City Marathon has taken an unexpected turn, with Houston-based lawyer Andrea Sager losing her official race result after a viral video showed her smoking marijuana during the event.

The 35-year-old mother of two attracted widespread attention on November 1 when she lined up for the iconic 26.2-mile race wearing a bright pink running vest carrying a humorous personal advertisement: “Andrea, 35, Single. Great Credit. Bad Judgment.” The unusual message quickly made her one of the most recognizable personalities among the thousands of participants, generating plenty of reactions from spectators and social media users.

However, it was another moment captured on camera that eventually landed her in trouble with race organizers. A video circulating online showed Sager accepting a puff of marijuana from a spectator while running along the marathon course, turning what had initially been a lighthearted appearance into a much bigger controversy.

Following the circulation of the footage, New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organization responsible for staging the marathon, removed Sager's finishing time of 5:54 from the official results after determining that she had violated its Code of Conduct. The regulations prohibit smoking, vaping and the use of tobacco or marijuana products in the starting corrals, along the course and within the designated race areas.

Despite the disqualification, Sager was allowed to retain her physical finisher's medal, meaning she still has a memento of completing the demanding journey through New York's five boroughs, even though her official finishing result no longer stands.

Sager has since offered an explanation for her decision, revealing that she was struggling physically as the race progressed. With considerable discomfort in her legs and the marathon becoming increasingly difficult, she said she accepted the offer from a spectator in an attempt to manage the pain and make the remaining miles more bearable.

Interestingly, the controversy has not entirely dampened her enthusiasm for the experience. Rather than retreating from the attention, Sager has embraced the unexpected publicity, revealing that the viral moment has brought considerable interest on social media and dating platforms.

Her distinctive pink running vest has also become a talking point beyond the marathon, with the attention opening up potential opportunities for merchandise and brand partnerships inspired by the memorable message.

Although she initially challenged the decision, Sager has acknowledged that the organizers were enforcing their regulations and appears to be taking the outcome with a sense of humour. She has also indicated that she could return to the marathon distance in the future, suggesting that her New York experience may not be her last.

For Sager, the 2026 New York City Marathon will undoubtedly be remembered for reasons far beyond the challenge of covering 26.2 miles. She arrived at the starting line hoping to enjoy her first marathon and perhaps attract a little attention with her unusual outfit. Instead, she left with a viral story, unexpected publicity and a disqualification that has made her one of the most talked-about recreational runners from this year's event.

Her finishing time may have disappeared from the official results, but her story has certainly found a place in the conversation surrounding this year's marathon.

After all, completing a marathon is an achievement in itself, but Andrea Sager's New York experience came with a twist that few runners could have anticipated!

World mile record holder Josh Kerr has sparked an interesting conversation among runners after questioning the growing popularity of hydration vests, suggesting that many athletes may be carrying more equipment than they actually need for their everyday training sessions.

The British distance-running star shared his thoughts during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session hosted by BBC Sport on Monday, where he responded to questions from fans about training, competition, rivalries and some of the lighter aspects of his life as an elite athlete.

Among the most relatable topics was the increasing use of hydration vests, a piece of equipment that has become increasingly common among recreational runners, particularly those who head out for regular training sessions.

Kerr offered a straightforward perspective, suggesting that runners covering distances of less than 12 miles (approximately 19 kilometres) generally do not need to carry water with them. He believes that some running trends are driven more by marketing than genuine necessity, using hydration vests as an example of equipment that has perhaps become more popular than it needs to be.

He further pointed out that runners training in urban environments can usually find somewhere to purchase a drink if they need one, rather than carrying additional equipment throughout their entire run.

However, his comments were not intended as a universal rule for every athlete. Hydration requirements differ depending on individual needs, weather conditions, training intensity and the distance being covered. Runners tackling longer distances, particularly in hot conditions or on remote trails, may still benefit considerably from carrying their own fluids.

Away from the equipment debate, Kerr also addressed questions about his relationship with Norwegian distance-running superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Keeping his response brief and humorous, the Briton remarked, "I wouldn't say we're buddies!" However, he acknowledged that rivalries are an important part of athletics and can help make the sport more exciting for competitors and spectators alike.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games also featured prominently in the discussion, particularly the men's 1500m final, where Kerr secured the silver medal in a British record of 3:27.79 behind American Cole Hocker.

Despite narrowly missing out on Olympic gold, Kerr insisted that he had no regrets about how he approached the race, reflecting the confidence and competitive mentality that have helped establish him among the leading middle-distance runners in the world.

The Scottish star also offered fans a glimpse into the demanding training sessions behind his remarkable mile world record, providing insight into the preparation required to compete at the highest level. He additionally touched on the possibility of eventually moving up to the marathon, a prospect that will undoubtedly attract considerable interest given his credentials over shorter distances.

Not every question, however, was about world records, Olympic medals or gruelling workouts. In one particularly amusing moment, Kerr was asked how far he thought he could run on just a single square sausage and a can of Irn-Bru, bringing a distinctly Scottish flavour to the conversation.

The exchange offered a refreshing look at the personality behind one of Britain's biggest athletics stars, showing that even athletes operating at the very highest level have plenty of opinions about everyday running habits.

For recreational runners, Kerr's message about hydration vests is certainly worth considering, although individual circumstances should always determine what equipment is necessary. His broader point was simple: runners should understand their actual training needs rather than automatically following every new trend in the running industry.

Kenyan marathon star John Korir is preparing to chase a remarkable piece of history at the 2026 Valencia Marathon, where victory could make him the first male athlete in more than two decades to successfully defend the prestigious title.

The 30-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday just four days before the December 6 race, returns to Spain with an opportunity to achieve something that has proved exceptionally difficult in the history of the competition. Having conquered the Valencia streets last year in an outstanding 2:02:24, Korir now has his sights firmly set on becoming a two-time consecutive champion.

A successful defence would place Korir in an exclusive group of athletes who have managed to win Valencia's men's marathon twice. The race's historical records identify only three previous multiple winners: Teodoro Pérez, Eduardo Alcaína and Samuel Tangus. Tangus remains the last man to achieve consecutive victories, having triumphed in 2002 and 2003.

Korir's opportunity has become even more promising following the withdrawal of Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha, who was ruled out of the December 6 contest because of an injury. Kejelcha had been among the biggest attractions in the anticipated showdown. His absence removes a major challenger and leaves Korir as one of the leading favourites heading into the race.

The Kenyan's recent performances explain why expectations are so high. He has established himself among the world's most formidable marathon runners, collecting major victories in Chicago in 2024, Boston in 2025, Valencia in December 2025 and Boston again in April 2026. His latest Boston triumph was particularly impressive, as he successfully defended his crown in a spectacular course-record time of 2:01:52.

However, Korir is not returning simply to defend his title. He has much bigger ambitions, with reports indicating that he is targeting a historic sub-two-hour performance on Valencia's famously fast course. To prepare for that challenge, the Kenyan has reportedly increased his training volume to between 250 and 270 kilometres per week, demonstrating the scale of preparation behind his ambitions.

Breaking the two-hour barrier would be an extraordinary achievement, particularly on a course where the current men's record stands at 2:01:48, set by Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma in 2023. Korir already knows what it takes to deliver a major performance in Valencia, having produced a commanding victory last year.

Turning 30 just days before the competition, Korir appears to be entering an exciting period of his marathon career. His combination of experience, consistency, confidence and remarkable endurance makes him a serious contender not only for another victory but also for a possible assault on the course record.

For Korir, December 6 represents an opportunity to go beyond another major marathon victory. He could end a 23-year wait for a consecutive men's champion in Valencia, join an exclusive group of multiple winners and potentially deliver one of the fastest marathon performances ever witnessed.

The challenge is now clear: defend his crown, make history and perhaps bring the world closer to another landmark moment in marathon running.