Joseph Ebuya

Joseph Ebuya (born 20 June 1987 in Baragoi) is a Kenyan runner who specialises in the 5000 metres and was the 2010 IAAF World Cross Country Championships champion.

Ebuya is a rare example of a runner representing the Turkana people. He was born in Baragoi, but moved with his family from place to place, including Rumuruti and Nyahururu. He is based at the PACE Sports Management training camp in Kaptagat. His sister, Alice Aprot, is also a runner and an African champion.

He began running competitively in 2003 after having seen Benjamin Limo (among others), doing training runs. Ebuya looked to follow and emulate Limo. Ebuya began to reach the elite level in 2005, representing the Rift Valley Province at the Kenyan Championships before heading to the European track and field circuit. Quick performances over 5000 metres in the Netherlands led to an appearance at the Memorial van Damme Golden League meeting later that season.

His first opportunity to compete internationally for Kenya came at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and he just finished outside of the medals in the 5000 metres, beaten into fourth place by Fabiano Joseph Naasi. The following month he ran in the junior race at the 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Again he was fourth, this time beaten by Tariku Bekele), although he shared in the team victory with Mangata Ndiwa and Leonard Komon. Success awaited him on the track at the 2006 World Junior Championships in Athletics, as he took the bronze medal over 5000 m. He was called upon to compete in the 10,000 metres as Kenya's representative Thomas Longosiwa was found to be overage. The situation worked in Ebuya's favour as he ran a personal best of 28:53.46 which brought him the silver medal behind Ethiopian teenager Ibrahim Jeilan. Eighth place at the 2006 IAAF World Athletics Final rounded off his first season of international competition.

...
Wikipedia