Nestled in western Kenya's highlands, 2,200 meters above sea level, Eldoret — a six-hour drive from Nairobi that crosses both the equator and the East African Rift Valley — wears its moniker "City of Champions" with quiet pride.

Here, 14 Chinese middle- and long-distance runners led by Chinese coach Xiao Li are immersed in a rigorous three-month winter training camp, far removed from urban distractions.

The delegation includes the 19th Asian Games men's marathon champion He Jie.