Kipyego Running For Red

Sept. 6, 2007

By Stephen Hood

Special to CSTV.com

The idea of running for your life doesn't seem like a good one unless you are Sally Kipyego, Texas Tech's top distance runner.

Not many children from small impoverished villages in Kenya are given the opportunity to fulfill their dreams, but that is just what Kipyego has accomplished through working hard to hone her natural athletic ability.

Kipyego grew up in an underdeveloped village in Kenya. She had dreams of becoming a health care professional so that she could help people in need, like those in her village. But knowing full well that the type of education she wanted would not come easy or cheap, Kipyego understood she would need to stand out in order to secure a path to the United States.

"I had a dream to come to the United States and study," Kipyego said, "and the only way to secure a scholarship was through running."

Kipyego did not always know that she was talented, and the road was certainly not an easy one, but running was always part of her daily routine.

"I used to run every day to school in the morning and to lunch," Kipyego recalled.

She began running competitively in high school and was instantly recognized as a force to be reckoned with in long distance running. In 2001, she made the Kenyan national team and competed in the World Cross Country meet in Europe.

It seemed that her career was on a steady rise, but a stress fracture in her leg put a hold on her success when she was sidelined for nearly two years.

"It took me two years to fully recover," she said. "In 2004, I began to train again, which was really hard for me."

Her training paid off, however, and she was accepted into South Plains College where she could focus on earning her Associate's degree and continue to excel as an athlete.

"Although I went through South Plains College, my plan was to get my Associate's degree and then enroll in a Division I college that had nursing," she said.

Texas Tech soon recognized her not only for her prowess on the track, but also in the classroom. Kipyego joined Tech's competitive school of nursing and helped the team to a number of successful finishes.

It was no surprise that Kipyego became an instant star and gained national recognition for her talent in long distance events. She mastered both indoor and outdoor events, dominating the 15k, 10k, 5k and 3k.

Her coach, Jon Murray, quickly recognized that she would be a strong competitor on a national level. Within her first year as a member of Texas Tech's cross country team, she won a national championship and earned All-America honors.

But Kipyego isn't satisfied with one successful year. She wants more.

"She really wants to work hard," said Murray. "Not just for herself but for the team as well. Her winning attitude is infectious."

And the members of the Red Raider cross-country squad couldn't be more pleased. Kipyego immediately dispels any notions that she is a diva of distance running.

"She is willing to work, as well as willing to help and cheer on fellow teammates," Murray said.

With the season closing in fast and Kipyego beginning her first year of an intensive nursing school, she eagerly awaits yet another challenge.

"Of course with [nursing school] we have a bit of a challenge, but we are willing to work around it to make it work for her and us," Murray said. "This will be a good experience for her."

It seems as though keeping Kipyego at Texas Tech is a priority, not only for Murray, but for Kipyego herself. This does not mean, however, that Kipyego is ignoring a professional career in distance running.

"I would like to run professionally in the future, at some point," Kipyego said. "Right now I just want to be able to survive running and nursing school."

With Kipyego's determination and stellar athletic ability, Murray warns competitors they should expect her to continue to improve. Not one to shy away from a challenge, the collegiate world of distance running should expect bright things out of this extraordinary runner by way of Marakwet, Kenya.