Peter Kirui knows what it means to chase excellence. As a former professional athlete, he experienced the demands, sacrifices, and rewards of competing at the highest level. Today, his passion for running continues through coaching, leading a growing group of athletes in Kericho, Kenya; a place quietly building its own reputation in the world of distance running.

At Volare Sports, Peter works closely with talented young athletes, including Isaia Lasoi. In this conversation, he reflects on his transition from athlete to coach, the lessons his career taught him, and the values he hopes to pass on to the next generation.

From the unique training environment of Kericho to the importance of patience, discipline, and team culture, Peter offers an honest look into life behind elite performance, and the deeper purpose that now drives him as a coach.

Q: Peter, you had a very successful career as an athlete yourself. Looking back, what moments shaped you the most as a runner and as a person? A: ¨At the beginning of my career, I was more focused on track running than the marathon. I always watched the Olympic Games and dreamed of competing at that level one day. Representing Kenya in the 10,000m at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu was a dream come true for me. At that time, earning a place on the Kenyan team was extremely difficult, so wearing the nationl jacket meant everything¨.

Q: When did you realize that coaching could become your next passion after your professional running career?A: ¨Even while I was still competing, I naturally found myself giving advice to younger athletes and sharing what I had learned through my own experience. Little by little, I realized coaching was already inside me. It felt like something I was meant to do in the future¨.

Q: How much has your own experience as an elite athlete influenced the way you coach today? A: ¨It has influenced me a lot. Because I lived that life myself, I understand what athletes feel; both during success and difficult moments. I can guide them not only with training, but also with experience. One of the biggest lessons I try to teach is patience¨.

Q: How do you balance ambition and patience when coaching a young athlete with such big potential?

A: ¨I always try to teach athletes about priorities. I tell them not to focus too much on money or distractions too early. First, they need to focus on training, discipline, and improving step by step. If they build themselves patiently, they can have a long career. There will always be time later for business and other things¨.

Q: What is the most important principle in your coaching philosophy? A:¨Always try to become better than the last time¨.

Q: How important is group training and team atmosphere in long-distance running? A: ¨It is very important. Training alone can sometimes make it difficult to stay mentally focused. In a group, everyone pushes each other, and the environment helps you stay committed and motivated every day¨.

Q: Has the sport changed a lot since your time as a professional athlete? In what ways? A. ¨Yes, it has changed a lot. The biggest differences are the shoes and the evolution of training methods. Today, athletes are much more focused on the marathon, and many runners move to the roads earlier instead of staying longer on the track¨.

Q: What gives you the most satisfaction today: your own achievements as an athlete or seeing your athletes succeed? A: ¨For me, the feeling is very similar. Today, when one of my athletes succeeds, I feel almost the same happiness as when I achieved success myself during my career¨.

Q: What values do you try to teach young athletes besides performance and results? A: ¨I try to teach young athletes to live good lives and make good decisions. I encourage them to avoid alcohol, avoid stealing, and stay disciplined. Running can give people not only success in sport, but also strong values for life¨.

Q: What dreams or goals do you still have as a coach? A: ¨One of my biggest goals is to coach a world record holder in long-distance running; whether in the 10K, half marathon, or marathon¨.

Q: Finally, what message would you like to share with young runners around the world who dream of becoming professional athletes? A: ¨Come to Kenya. The weather is good, the food is fresh, and the environment is healthy for training. It is a good place to grow as an athlete¨.