Runners practice at a training field in Iten, Kenya on Sept. 5, 2023. Iten, located in western Kenya, serves as the capital of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Its high-altitude, favorable climate conditions, and picturesque landscapes have drawn a multitude of athletes and running enthusiasts seeking a haven for training.

With the escalating flow of athletes, burgeoning "sports business" has become a feature in the local economy. Beyond the presence of athletic academies and expert coaching teams, Iten has developed an array of specialized training facilities and services encompassing hotels, athlete dormitories, and training camps. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Runners practice at a training field in Iten, Kenya on Sept. 5, 2023. Iten, located in western Kenya, serves as the capital of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Its high-altitude, favorable climate conditions, and picturesque landscapes have drawn a multitude of athletes and running enthusiasts seeking a haven for training.

With the escalating flow of athletes, burgeoning "sports business" has become a feature in the local economy. Beyond the presence of athletic academies and expert coaching teams, Iten has developed an array of specialized training facilities and services encompassing hotels, athlete dormitories, and training camps. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Runners are pictured near a landmark arch in Iten, Kenya on Sept. 4, 2023. Iten, located in western Kenya, serves as the capital of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Its high-altitude, favorable climate conditions, and picturesque landscapes have drawn a multitude of athletes and running enthusiasts seeking a haven for training.

With the escalating flow of athletes, burgeoning "sports business" has become a feature in the local economy. Beyond the presence of athletic academies and expert coaching teams, Iten has developed an array of specialized training facilities and services encompassing hotels, athlete dormitories, and training camps. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Runners practice on a road in Iten, Kenya on Sept. 4, 2023. Iten, located in western Kenya, serves as the capital of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Its high-altitude, favorable climate conditions, and picturesque landscapes have drawn a multitude of athletes and running enthusiasts seeking a haven for training.

With the escalating flow of athletes, burgeoning "sports business" has become a feature in the local economy. Beyond the presence of athletic academies and expert coaching teams, Iten has developed an array of specialized training facilities and services encompassing hotels, athlete dormitories, and training camps. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A runner gets prepared for running at a training field in Iten, Kenya on Sept. 5, 2023. Iten, located in western Kenya, serves as the capital of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Its high-altitude, favorable climate conditions, and picturesque landscapes have drawn a multitude of athletes and running enthusiasts seeking a haven for training.

With the escalating flow of athletes, burgeoning "sports business" has become a feature in the local economy. Beyond the presence of athletic academies and expert coaching teams, Iten has developed an array of specialized training facilities and services encompassing hotels, athlete dormitories, and training camps. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2023 shows a hotel in Iten, Kenya. Some athletes are based here for months to sharpen their skills. Iten, located in western Kenya, serves as the capital of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Its high-altitude, favorable climate conditions, and picturesque landscapes have drawn a multitude of athletes and running enthusiasts seeking a haven for training.

With the escalating flow of athletes, burgeoning "sports business" has become a feature in the local economy. Beyond the presence of athletic academies and expert coaching teams, Iten has developed an array of specialized training facilities and services encompassing hotels, athlete dormitories, and training camps. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2023 shows a restaurant in Iten, Kenya. Iten, located in western Kenya, serves as the capital of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Its high-altitude, favorable climate conditions, and picturesque landscapes have drawn a multitude of athletes and running enthusiasts seeking a haven for training.

With the escalating flow of athletes, burgeoning "sports business" has become a feature in the local economy. Beyond the presence of athletic academies and expert coaching teams, Iten has developed an array of specialized training facilities and services encompassing hotels, athlete dormitories, and training camps. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)