Forests are known to harbour most of the world’s dangerous predators such as lions and venomous snakes.

They are key to the sustenance of life as water catchments, rain sources and providers of clean air.

Above all, a forest at the heart of Central Province has continued to produce a breed of predators who have preyed on World Cross-Country titles with abandon in the last 12 years.

Locals call it Illangi, which forms part of the expansive Mount Kenya Forest. The lush woodland that is located 7km from Embu’s Kigari Teachers Training College has continued to be the choice high altitude-training base for the national cross-country team.

“I knew this would be the ideal place to train a cross-country team when I came across it during my base training in the army,” national head coach Julius Kirwa told Fever Pitch.

“This forest is unpolluted and the surrounding area serene and due to its altitude, it gives the athletes sufficient build-up on endurance which is key for success in cross-country running,” he added.

For the national team coaches that also include David Letting and John ‘Warm-up’ Mwithiga to harness the full benefits of this offering from nature, athletes in camp are up by dawn for the ride to the entry of the forest and by 6.30am, hit the well-marked trail for their exercise.

“Humidity is thickest at this hour, so it becomes difficult for the runners to breathe. It is these conditions that improve on their ability to use minimal air, but maintain top performance at the championships,” Kirwa explained.

Senior men are required to do 14km, senior women and junior men 10km with the junior women running for 8km in the tsetse fly-infested forest located at the windward side of Mount Kenya.

Armed escort is required since the area inhabits wildlife including elephants as well as illegal loggers.

“Training here is ideal since not only does it give you good form for the World Cross, but also makes your body ready for the track season ahead,” 2006 Commonwealth 5,000m champion, Augustine Choge, who will feature in the men’s 12km race in Edinburgh said.

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