For decades, the world of long-distance running has been dominatedby runners from Kenya and Ethiopia. What has __1__ people’s interest, however, is that many of the champions are from, or trained at, one specific Kenyan town: Iten. In fact, the town has even been dubbedthe “Home of Champions.” Several possible __2__ regarding the town’s success have been put forth.
First, some say the key is the altitude. Training in high-altitude areas helps athletes better __3__ their bodies to lower oxygenlevels. The town, which sits on the edge of Kenya’s Rift Valley, 7,000 feet above sea level, is perfect for such training. Secondly, being a successful runner is a way out of poverty. Needless to say, athletes make a lot of money by winning __4__. Most of them use prize money to help their village and families. Some athletes even build training camps in Iten, which, in turn, __5__ to the town’s growth as a center for distance running.
Furthermore, there are no distractions in a remote village like Iten. There’s not much entertainment there, so athletes can __6__ on their training. Others believe that running is __7__ in the local culture. It’s common to see schoolchildren run barefoot to school. Though there is a lack of __8__ evidence, some argue that running barefoot helps develop a more natural and injury-free running technique. There are even studies proposing that the ability of Iten’s residents to run is innate. That is, their __9__ traits make them perfect runners.
Though there’s no single, clear reason for the town’s success, one thing is for sure: Becoming a champion in distance running is definitely no easy task and __10__ a lot of practice and determination.
