Athletics-Kenya's golden region seeks new champions after steeplechase setback

Pupils at Chesubet Primary school which produced 3,000 meters steeplechase gold champions in the past Olympics compete during a steeplechase exercise session at the school's field in Marakwet East of Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya August 6, 2021. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi

ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya (Reuters) - On a cloudy day at a school in Elgeyo Marakwet county in Kenya's west, children jump over wooden desks serving as hurdles placed on the course of a steeplechase race, as their classmates cheer excitedly from the side.

Boniface Tiren, who has moulded several of the East African nation's world beating middle distance runners as a coach, then shows one of the students how to position his legs and upper body for the optimum jump.