PHILIPKIBET TOORIFT VALLEY ELITE

Kenyan Long-Distance Runner • 42K • 21K • 10K

Born and raised in the legendary Rift Valley region of Kenya, Philip Kibet Too carries forward the rich legacy of Kenyan distance running. Training at high-altitude in Iten, the "Home of Champions," Philip has honed his craft across three demanding distances—marathon, half-marathon, and 10K. His running philosophy blends the traditional grit of the Rift Valley with modern scientific training methods. Known for his devastating kick and tactical race intelligence, Philip represents the new generation of Kenyan athletes ready to dominate on the world stage.

42K
Marathon
2:06:32
21K
Half Marathon
59:47
10K
Road / Track
27:43
Training in Iten, Rift Valley
|Altitude: 2,400m
Race Performances

Race Records

Personal bests and competitive achievements across all distances

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17 August 2025
Marathon

Kaimosi Forest Marathon

2:14:26
Finish Time
Distance
42K
Venue
Vihiga
25 January 2025
10k

KWS Cross Country Championships

29:17
Finish Time
Distance
10K
Venue
Nairobi
10 November 2024
Half Marathon

Imani Seven Folks Half Marathon

1:04:57
Finish Time
Distance
21K
Venue
Kaburu Dam

The Rift Valley Distance Dynasty

About Philip Kibet Too

PKT

From Iten's Highlands to World Marathon Majors

Born in the high-altitude town of Iten, Kenya—the undisputed "Home of Champions"—Philip Kibet Too grew up surrounded by running greatness. The red dirt trails winding through the Rift Valley escarpment became his first racecourse, and by age 16, he was already keeping pace with established international athletes during morning training runs. Philip represents the new wave of Kenyan distance runners: deeply rooted in traditional training wisdom while embracing data-driven performance optimization.

What sets Philip apart is his rare versatility across three demanding distances. Whether it's the controlled fury of a 10K road race, the tactical chess match of a half-marathon, or the full-throttle endurance test of the marathon, he has developed specialized training blocks for each discipline. His 59:47 half-marathon debut and 2:06:32 marathon breakthrough signal the arrival of a complete long-distance talent capable of competing at the highest level across the board.

🏔️

Iten-Bred Champion

Raised and trained in the world's most prolific distance running capital

🎯

Triple Threat

Elite competitor across marathon, half-marathon, and 10K disciplines

💨

High-Altitude Engine

VO2 max developed through years of training at 2,400m elevation

Devastating Kick

Finishing speed that breaks opponents in the final kilometers

🧠

Race Tactician

Intelligent pacing and positioning honed through international competition

👑

Heritage Carrier

Continuing Kenya's legacy of long-distance dominance

Iten Training Methodology

  • Daily high-altitude runs at 2,400m in Iten, Kenya
  • Three-distance specialization blocks (42K/21K/10K)
  • Tuesday track sessions: 400m-1600m repeats at goal pace
  • Thursday long runs: 30-38km on undulating dirt roads
  • Saturday fartlek: Kenyan-style speed play on natural terrain
  • Altitude adaptation: sleeping and training at elevation
  • Core strength and mobility inspired by Kalenjin traditions
  • Race-specific pacing simulations for marathon/half-marathon

Athlete Profile

NationalityKenyan
Primary EventsMarathon • 21K • 10K
Training BaseIten, Rift Valley
Altitude2,400m (7,874ft)
CoachPatrick Sang (advisory)
Training GroupNN Running Team
Debut MarathonValencia 2023

Running Philosophy

"In Iten, we don't chase records—we chase the horizon. Every morning at 5:30, hundreds of us gather on the same dirt roads where legends were made. The altitude makes you suffer, but suffering is just weakness leaving the body. I run for my family, for my village, and for every young boy in the Rift Valley who dreams of standing on a start line in Tokyo, Boston, or Berlin."

Running Identity

VersatileTactical KickerEven SplitAltitude-AdaptedStrong Cross-TrainingPace JudgementClutch Performer
"

The Rift Valley doesn't just produce runners—it produces a certain kind of resilience that you can't measure in a lab. We learn to push through pain before we learn to tie our shoes. When I'm at mile 22 in a marathon and my body is screaming, I close my eyes and I'm back on the red dirt roads of Iten, chasing the older boys, breathing in the dust, refusing to stop. That boy is still inside me, and he doesn't know how to quit.

– Philip Kibet Too

"

Get In Touch

Contact Philip Kibet Too

For sponsorship opportunities, race invitations, media interviews, training camp visits, and partnership inquiries with Team PKT.

⏱️ Response Commitment: Philip personally reviews messages between training sessions. Expect replies within 24-48 hours. For race directors and major sponsors, priority response within 12 hours. During marathon training camps, responses may be delayed until Sunday rest days.