Nelvin Jepkemboi cooks at the KipRun 42 House Athletics Camp’s kitchen in Iten on February 26, 2025.
Nelvin Jepkemboi’s passion for cooking unexpectedly led her to one of Kenya’s premier athletics training camps, the KipRun 42 Athletics Camp in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Known for her culinary skills, Jepkemboi initially didn’t take up athletics as a career, focusing on house chores, with cooking being her favourite activity.
KipRun, a training facility under the Decathlon brand, was established to support athletes in their pursuit of excellence. The camp, managed by Operations Director Amos Kimutai, accommodates 16 athletes who receive a monthly stipend to help them stay focused on their training and competitions.
Jepkemboi, 23, who almost abandoned her athletics dream due to early struggles, shared her journey with Nation Sport after a training session in Iten.
After completing her Form Four education at Kapkitony Girls’ High School in Elgeyo Marakwet in 2021, her father, Philip Too, encouraged her to pursue athletics. Initially, she was reluctant.
“My father asked me to start training when I finished high school, but I refused because I didn’t want to become slim. I knew that running would make me shed weight, and I didn’t want that,” she recalled.
Nelvin Jepkemboi trains in Iten on February 26, 2025.
Her father, disappointed, pushed her to start training. She eventually moved to Iten to train alongside Kenyan-born US athlete Betsy Saina, who invited her to the renowned high-altitude town.
Despite training with Saina, Jepkemboi struggled to keep up with the marathoner’s intense workouts.
“I didn’t know that running was a career, and I always depended on Betsy Saina’s programme, which was designed for long-distance athletes. It reached a point where I lost hope, and at one time, she called my mother and asked her to take me back to school,” she said.
Jepkemboi, known for her exceptional cooking skills, often prepared meals for Saina and her guests. One such guest was a manager from KipRun 42 Athletics Camp, who stayed at Saina’s guest-house.
Jepkemboi cooked and cleaned for her, earning her first payment after a month. The manager then asked her a pivotal question: Could she run?
Nelvin Jepkemboi cooks at the KipRun 42 House Athletics Camp’s kitchen in Iten on February 26, 2025.
Determined to seize the opportunity, Jepkemboi entered the 2023 Nairobi City Express 10km road race, finishing 20th. Her performance earned her a place at KipRun Athletics Camp, where she worked hard to prove her potential.
“I had one last chance to redeem myself, and I’m glad I used it well. I’m now one of the top athletes in the camp,” she said.
Her first international race was a dream come true as she secured victory at the Paris 10km road race in October 2023 in 31 minutes and six seconds.
“Winning the race in Paris was a huge motivation for me—it made me realise that anything is possible. I transitioned from the 800m to long-distance races because I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my guardian, Saina. I admired how she lived independently, having earned her own money,” said Jepkemboi.
With full support from her family, especially her mother, Esther Too, Jepkemboi has made significant strides in her career. Last year, she competed in the 2024 National Olympic trials for the 5,000m race, facing off against Olympic champions Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet.
Nelvin Jepkemboi trains in Iten on February 26, 2025.
“It was a nice experience competing with the world leaders. Lack of experience made me finish a distant eighth. With three laps to go, they sprinted, and I tried to catch up, but it was too late. Now, I’m in a better position to tackle them,” she said.
Jepkemboi began the 2025 season with a 13th-place finish at the Valencia 10km road race in Spain, clocking 31:08. The race was won by fellow Kenyan Hellen Ekalale in 29:30.
Born in Terige, Lessos, Nandi County, Jepkemboi’s running journey began at Terige Primary School. While she led school choirs, she had no idea she would become an athlete.
“I used to compete with no goal. I just wanted to join the school’s running team to get a bottle of soda and a loaf of bread, which was common during such competitions,” she said.
Now, she is focused on conquering the world in long-distance races while supporting her siblings’ education.
KipRun Athletics Camp leader Antony Dulieu said that the camp was initiated three years ago to develop athletes and provide a sustainable support system.
“The idea is to make sure our athletes are comfortable and focused on running. That’s why they receive a monthly stipend,” he said during the camp’s launch.
