“In forest restoration, every second counts”

Tell us about WWF’s Greening Kaptagat project and how you’re supporting it

The Eliud Kipchoge Foundation is working with WWF to restore the Kaptagat landscape in Kenya and improve livelihoods for at least 1,000 people. Working with partners including the UK government, we aim to restore at least 1,000 hectares of deforested lands, train the local community in climate-smart agricultural practices, and support women and young people. The project will help alleviate poverty, tackle climate change and reduce pressure on forests.

Why is it vital we protect Kaptagat forest?

Kaptagat forest lies within a landscape that includes important forest and water catchment areas. Its rivers and springs are the main source of water for people in the area. Despite this, the forest is under pressure from deforestation and degradation, driven by illegal logging, unsustainable subsistence agriculture and a growing human population.

Why is Kaptagat forest special to you?

I can’t speak about my personal journey in athletics without talking about Kaptagat forest. In 17 years, I’ve never trained anywhere else. My dreams came true because of the forest. But over time, I’ve seen a forest that was intact and rich with indigenous trees become degraded, most of the trees cut down.

What makes it a good place to train?

It’s 2,450m above sea level! A winning mentality is the first step towards success, but that alone is not enough. You also need the environment: fresh air, rich soil, clean water. Winning is about teamwork and determination – and that’s what we need to restore our forest. If Kaptagat forest disappears, our crops, our livestock and our water will disappear too. My generation of athletes will run the marathon to save this forest and to empower our people.

How are sport and nature related?

Sport and nature go hand in hand and move hip by hip. In sport, you need to train in a healthy environment where you can breathe fresh air. Without trees, the air isn’t clean. Without taking care of the environment, you can’t train well. We need to restore and preserve the forest for the next generation. By 2030, I want to plant indigenous trees and create paths through the forest to make training easier. I’ve adopted 50 hectares of degraded forest so I can restore this crucial resource.

What inspired you to launch the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation in 2021?

I launched the Foundation to conserve the forest, because if we remain silent it will continue to be depleted. I was lucky to have access to books and knowledge from a young age, but lots of children don’t have an education due to a lack of resources. I hope to not only fund forest restoration but also enhance education in Kaptagat and beyond. I’ve helped establish a library in Kapsisiywa, the village where I grew up, to educate future generations about protecting our environment.

What’s your advice for young people who want to take action for the environment?

Just like in a marathon, restoring our forests will have a flat course, a hilly course and sometimes the unexpected can happen. Don’t engage reverse gear. In athletics, the difference between a world record can be just a second. In forest restoration, every second counts. Globally, we’re losing an area of forest the size of a football field every second. We must change this – and it is possible.

What’s your message for world leaders?

It’s time for world leaders to fulfil the promises they made to help people and nature bounce back. When it comes to the fight against climate change and nature loss, a promise without action is an expensive debt. We need to invest in nature right now, and not just make empty promises.

What are your dreams for the future?

To bring together Kenyans and the world to conserve the environment, the same way people of different cultures, nationalities and languages are brought together by athletics. I believe running marathons and planting trees are the same. If we can break a world record in a marathon, we can also create a world record in tree planting. I want to help make Kenya and the whole world green.