Kenyan Marathon Runner & Coach from Machakos, with a dream of building the next generation of champions
Thomas, a passionate long-distance runner and coach from Machakos County, Kenya—shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an international coach, the values that shaped his career, and his mission to nurture the next wave of athletes.
Kenyan Marathon Runner & Coach from Machakos, with a dream of building the next generation of champions
Thomas, a passionate long-distance runner and coach from Machakos County, Kenya—shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an international coach, the values that shaped his career, and his mission to nurture the next wave of athletes.
ATHLETE PROFILE
Kenya
2006
- Road Events: 10km, 21km & 42km
Thomas' Story
Thomas grew up in Machakos County, part of Kenya’s Kamba tribe — a community known for its endurance and long-distance trading heritage. From a young age, running wasn’t just recreation; it was a necessity. Each morning he ran to school, learning early that consistency and punctuality built resilience.
As he grew older, he was inspired by Kenya’s world-class runners and began training in high-altitude regions such as Ngong, Machakos, and Iten—the “Valley of Champions.” There, he learned the discipline, humility, and focus that define every great runner. A pivotal moment came when Thomas saw his cousin compete internationally. “If my cousin can make it, so can I,” he told himself. That realization became his fuel—driving him to chase the limits of human endurance and the joy of running free.
Thomas now runs a training camp in Taiwan, where he mentors and develops athletes from Kenya and beyond. His camp focuses on long-distance disciplines, emphasizing discipline, consistency, and strategic training.
Thomas' Story
Thomas grew up in Machakos County, part of Kenya’s Kamba tribe — a community known for its endurance and long-distance trading heritage. From a young age, running wasn’t just recreation; it was a necessity. Each morning he ran to school, learning early that consistency and punctuality built resilience.
As he grew older, he was inspired by Kenya’s world-class runners and began training in high-altitude regions such as Ngong, Machakos, and Iten—the “Valley of Champions.” There, he learned the discipline, humility, and focus that define every great runner. A pivotal moment came when Thomas saw his cousin compete internationally. “If my cousin can make it, so can I,” he told himself. That realization became his fuel—driving him to chase the limits of human endurance and the joy of running free.
Thomas now runs a training camp in Taiwan, where he mentors and develops athletes from Kenya and beyond. His camp focuses on long-distance disciplines, emphasizing discipline, consistency, and strategic training.
PERSONAL BEST & MILESTONES
Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Half Marathon
Taoyuan Marathon
WHY DO YOU RUN?
"As a child, running wasn’t just a sport—it was a necessity. I ran to school every morning, knowing that being late would mean punishment from the teacher."
This taught me to make running an essential part of my daily routine. Kenya is renowned for producing world-class runners, and I was fortunate to grow up in this culture of excellence. After school, I joined training groups where aspiring athletes and seasoned professionals trained together. This gave me the chance to learn from some of the best, including the legendary Eliud Kipchoge.
WHY DO YOU RUN?
"As a child, running wasn’t just a sport—it was a necessity. I ran to school every morning, knowing that being late would mean punishment from the teacher."
This taught me to make running an essential part of my daily routine. Kenya is renowned for producing world-class runners, and I was fortunate to grow up in this culture of excellence. After school, I joined training groups where aspiring athletes and seasoned professionals trained together. This gave me the chance to learn from some of the best, including the legendary Eliud Kipchoge.
"With interest and determination, you can achieve great things."
After finishing high school, I was running but not at a professional level. My cousin, who was a middle-distance runner specializing in the 1500m, inspired me to pursue running more seriously. She joined the Kenyan national team and represented our country in international competitions. At the time, we couldn’t afford a television, so I would visit a neighbor to watch sports. One day, I saw her competing in the World Youth Championships on TV. Seeing her there was a turning point for me. I thought, “If my cousin can make it, so can I.” This realization motivated me to dedicate myself to running professionally. I understood then that with interest and determination, you can achieve great things.
"With interest and determination, you can achieve great things."
After finishing high school, I was running but not at a professional level. My cousin, who was a middle-distance runner specializing in the 1500m, inspired me to pursue running more seriously. She joined the Kenyan national team and represented our country in international competitions. At the time, we couldn’t afford a television, so I would visit a neighbor to watch sports. One day, I saw her competing in the World Youth Championships on TV. Seeing her there was a turning point for me. I thought, “If my cousin can make it, so can I.” This realization motivated me to dedicate myself to running professionally. I understood then that with interest and determination, you can achieve great things.