*Undated
Kamworor is one of the world’s most versatile distance runners. The 28 year old long distance sensation has won global medals on the track, earned three consecutive gold medals at the World Half Marathon Championships and is a back-to-back winner of the world cross-country title.
In quite a short period, Kamworor has made a name for himself in the sport, earning two New York City victories over a span of 9 marathons. Consequently, the 2011 World Junior Cross Country Champion is now shifting his focus to cross-country and the half marathon as well as still participating in track races.
Kamworor is now ready to make a concerted effort at the classic distance, starting with the Trinidad Alfonso EDP Valencia Marathon on December 5th 2021.
How did you get into running?
Geoffrey Kamworor: Running is something that came naturally to me as it was part of our lifestyle from a young age. I used to run 3km from home to my school and back again each day. Sometimes I’d end up running 12km without really realising it.
As a kid, I’d often go and watch athletics competitions when not at school. Watching people compete and win trophies ignited my passion for running. And then in high school I’d get a lot of encouragement whenever I’d win a trophy or medal of my own.
How would you describe your relationship with Patrick Sang?
GK: My relationship with Patrick is great and goes beyond just being a coach. Patrick is my mentor; someone I admire who is always there to assist us if needed and, of course, someone who is always happy when he sees that you prosper and are doing well. He always gives so much of his time to make you the best version of yourself and to make you stronger. He has been my coach ever since I started running, and he has adjusted my training programme as I’ve evolved from being a cross country runner to a track runner and now a road runner.
How is life at the camp?
GK: I joined the camp in 2010 and life there is very good. You are away from your family, your wife and your kids during the whole week, which makes you take your training very seriously as you are making sacrifices to achieve your goals. That’s the only way to be focused 100% on running and to give your very best. When you’re at the camp, there are no distractions and your only focus is on running; you don’t think about anything else other than running, eating and sleeping, allowing us to evolve in a very natural environment.
Your next race is the Valencia Marathon on 5 December. What’s your target for that race?
GK: I am really looking forward to being on the startline in Valencia, where I won the 2018 world half marathon title. It’s a city where people love running and sports in general. Many world records have been set in Valencia in recent years, and this city of sports is waiting for its first world marathon record.
What are your goals for 2022?
GK: I don’t have any confirmed plan for 2022, but the World Athletics Championships in Oregon is in my sights and I’d like to run the marathon there.
Who would you say are the best long-distance runners in history?
GK: Eliud (Kipchoge) is up there with other runners such as Haile Gebrselassie, Paul Tergat and Kenenisa Bekele. And hopefully me soon!
After Kipchoge retires, can you see yourself becoming something of a new leader and mentor at the camp?
GK: Absolutely. And of course, I will continue to work and train as hard as possible to get close to what he has achieved so that I can inspire others. And when this is my turn to retire, someone else can then take over and fill my shoes.
I am also really interested in the community work Eliud does with kids and the environment. I’ll also try to head in that direction, and I look forward to following the same route, giving back to others the way that he did. It shows that sport is something that can build you and bring people together.
Interview Done by Loic Malroux, World Athletics