Eliud has an interesting story and probably knows the most “famous” runners out of anyone in the camp, he was the one that introduced me to David Rudisha.
He was born on 04/08/87 in Kapsabet (which isn't far from Iten)and went to St-Patricks High School from 2005 until 2008. He started competing at the age of 16 and the first event he competed in was the 5000m but after a year of this he moved down to the 1500m where he had some good success, running 3.49 at the age of 17 and coming 3rd in the Kenyan trials four years in a row. This in fact was very unlucky as the top two got picked to represent Kenya! His personal best for the 1500m is 3.43 and for the 5000m it is 13.35.
Eliud comes from a large family in which he is the last born of 8 boys and 2 girls. His neighbours at home include Bernard Lagat and Eliud Kipchoge, at school he became good friends with Isaac Songok, Augustine Choge and David Rudisha so he keeps good company.
After a few injuries Eliud decided to start road running and although his pb for the half marathon is 63minutes this was done on a really tough course out here at altitude. He tells me he has run 15km in 42minutes (which works out at about 45minutes for ten miles!) and wants to run at worst 61minutes for the half marathon this year.
An interesting fact about Eliud is that despite having competed for 12 years and being a professional athlete he has only every won 1000Ksh (about £8) from running! Hopefully he will get some races this year and start earning some proper money!
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