Some of the world’s greatest runners—Joshua Cheptegei, Peruth Chemutai, and Jacob Kiplimo—live and train in the picturesque town of Kapchorwa, perched on the slopes of Mount Elgon at 1,950 meters above sea level. If you find yourself in Kapchorwa, don’t be surprised if you spot one of these legendary athletes running along the streets or trails. However, what many visitors don’t realize is that the true ancestral roots of these champions are hidden higher up the mountain, in the remote and stunning villages of a forgotten tribe.
Joshua Cheptegei: the pride of Kwoti
Joshua Cheptegei grew up in the village of Kwoti, located just five kilometers above Kapchorwa Town at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Since 2021, the road to Kwoti has been tarmacked, as it leads to the prestigious National High Altitude Training Center in Teryet and Joshua’s own high altitude training camp.
Though Joshua built a new home closer to town in 2019, his roots remain firmly planted in Kwoti, where he also built a home for his parents. The village’s serene atmosphere and high altitude have played a crucial role in shaping him into the world champion he is today.
Joshua Cheptegei (in green) training with teammates at Teryet in October 2016.
Joshua Cheptegei enjoying his favorite vegetable rice - cocktail juice combo @ Home of Friends Guesthouse. Photo courtesy: NN Running Team (February 2022)
Stephen Kiprotich: Tegeres, the Birthplace of a legend
Stephen Kiprotich, Uganda’s gold-medal-winning marathoner, was born and raised in the village of Tegeres, nestled in the green hills between Kapchorwa and Sipi Falls. After his monumental victory, President Museveni built a new home for Stephen and his family in Tegeres, and in 2016, the village was connected to electricity for the first time.
The rolling hills around Tegeres offer perfect training grounds for long-distance running, and the region’s peaceful beauty makes it easy to see why this village produced such an extraordinary athlete.
The famous Aqua Sipi television commercial including Stephen Kiprotich in the surroundings of his birth village Tegeres
Stephen Kiprotich with a visitor from the Netherlands @ Boma Grounds, March 2020
Peruth Chemutai: Barawa’s Olympic hero
Just a stone’s throw from our Guesthouse and close to Joshua Cheptegei’s new home is Barawa, the village where Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai lives. In May 2022, during a spontaneous meet-and-greet with 20 Kampala-based tour operators, Peruth welcomed them to her home with warmth and humility.
In the surroundings of her modest village is where she trains and draws inspiration from the mountain’s fresh air and endless trails.
Peruth Chemutai (7th person from the right) with tour operators at her home in Barawa, May 2022
Jacob Kiplimo: Likil, the hidden gem of Kween
Rising star Jacob Kiplimo hails from Likil, a village in Kween District, just beyond Kapchorwa. Raised in the scenic village of Kaseko parish in Benet sub-county, Jacob’s ancestral lineage is deeply intertwined with Joshua Cheptegei—both share a great-grandfather.
In June 2018, while exploring Kiplimo’s homeland, I captured a photo of the stunning landscape that surrounds his village, with the hidden gem of Mengia waterfall cascading in the background. This peaceful and remote village has produced yet another champion, running through the same hills that have nurtured so many of Uganda’s long-distance legends.
Update 2024: It looks like Kapchorwa Town is becoming the place to be for top athletes! Jacob Kiplimo has recently been seen building a new home along the scenic Champions trail, just a stone’s throw from our Guesthouse. And he’s not the only one—his cousin and fellow champion, Victor Kiplangat, is doing the same!
Likil village in Kween District, with the magnificent Mengia waterfall in the background (June 2018)
The ancestral home of champions: THE Secrets of Mosopisiek Land
In June 2022, on a three-day hike through the higher elevations of Kween District, we set out to uncover the deeper secrets behind Uganda’s running success. What we discovered is that the ancestral roots of Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Peruth Chemutai, and Stephen Kiprotich trace back to the Mosopisiek (also known as Benet or Ndorobos)—a sub-tribe of the dominant Sabiny people.
The Mosopisiek once lived deep within Mount Elgon’s forest, at elevations above 2,800 meters. However, in 1993, the creation of Mount Elgon National Park forced them to relocate to lower altitudes just outside the park. Despite this displacement, the Mosopisiek have managed to preserve much of their healthy, authentic lifestyle, which has undoubtedly contributed to their athletic prowess.
On the final day of our hike, we had the privilege of meeting Joshua Cheptegei’s proud grandparents in their village of Yatui, at 2,700 meters above sea level. Their resilience, warmth, and connection to their ancestral land were intense and admirable.
Joshua Cheptegei’s grandfather in Yatui (2,700 meters ASL), alongside the writer of this blog (June 2022). Photo courtesy of Juma Chebet
Joshua Cheptegei’s grandmother, still living in the heart of Mosopisiek Land (June 2022). Photo courtesy of Juma Chebet
walk or run in the footsteps of legends
Whether you're a passionate runner or simply a lover of nature, visiting the Land of Champions offers a rare opportunity to connect with the roots of Uganda’s greatest athletes. As you hike or run through the hills and villages of Kapchorwa and Kween, you’ll not only be following in the footsteps of legends like Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo but also uncovering the deep cultural and natural beauty that has shaped them.
Book your experience today and immerse yourself in the landscape that has produced world champions.
Eliza & Daan @ Sipi Falls in January 2023
This blog is written by Daan Oxener, a Dutch social entrepreneur who is based in Kapchorwa since 2016. Daan manages Home of Friends Guesthouse, together with his fiancé Eliza. He is passionate about documenting Mount Elgon’s beautiful nature and remarkable culture. Daan is also engaged in Community & youth empowerment through adventure tourism.