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October 12, 2006 - On September 12th KIMbia Athletics began an unprecedented project documenting the lifestyle and training of an elite group of marathoners in their preparation for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and ING New York City Marathon. The website - www.chasingKIMBIA.com - has recorded the journey on a daily basis with blog entries, interviews, pictures, videos, and more. It has provided a backstage pass to the lives of elite distance runners as they train for a major marathon.
There is much at stake for these seven athletes. They have left their families and friends behind in Kenya and journeyed to Boulder, Colorado where they follow an intense and unforgiving training regime administered by Coach Dieter Hogen. They share an apartment on the outskirts of Boulder and take turns cleaning and preparing meals for one another - all with the hope of placing in one of the top spots. A great race would mean financial independence for these athletes. With the average annual income in Kenya at $340, even a fifth-place finish, with its $15,000 prize, would make these athletes "wealthy" back home.
Chasing Kimbia writer Matt Taylor is living with the athletes in their Boulder apartment to provide a unique look into the preparation, dedication and sacrifice that goes into making a marathon champion. In less than one month the website has attracted over 30,000 visitors and the videos have been watched more than 23,000 times. The most recent video - "Believe Me, Nothing Comes Easy" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT1Xj7JoGFY) - was watched 3,500 times in 24 hours. In only one short month, this unique and innovative project has already garnered accolades from around the globe.
With less than two weeks before the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and less than a month before the ING NYC Marathon, we hope you’ll join the thousands who have already logged in and follow the progress of these remarkable athletes. Perhaps one of them will return home a marathon champion.
"ChasingKimbia is a remarkable addition to annals of running journalism. Not only does it inspire runners of every ability, but offers a rare, immediate, and candid look into the very heart of the East African runner and his legendary preparation for competition. If anyone ever wanted to know why the Kenyan runners have dominated the sport of long distance running for the past 20 years, all they would have to do is visit the Chasing Kimbia website."
- Toni Reavis, San Diego
"I really, really love this site. It keeps me going. I wake up every single morning and the first thing I do with a cup of coffe in hand is read The Daily Run."
- Di, Barcelona
"This is the very best idea. To watch and read about these elite athletes. I am so so tired of running magazines that pander to people who can hardly walk down the street or are trying to lose weight. Finally, a site that true advocates of a fairly decent level of running can read and learn and appreciate the hard work and sacrifices of these athletes."
- Kathy, Florida
For more information:
Website: www.chasingKIMbia.com.
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