In this exclusive interview with Volare Sports, Elizeba Franken-Cherono, a dedicated and talented long-distance runner, gives us a glimpse into her extraordinary life. From her early days in Kenya to representing the Netherlands, Elizeba’s story is one of resilience, passion, and ambition.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
“My name is Elizeba Franken-Cherono. I was born 36 years ago in Kenya, where I lived until I was 24. In 2012, I moved to the Netherlands and now live in Roosendaal, Brabant, with my husband, Menno, and our two daughters, Romy (6) and Naomi (5). My journey from Kenya to the Netherlands is a big part of who I am today, both personally and as an athlete.”
What inspired you to become an athlete?
“I was inspired by former Kenyan top athletes Mary Keitany and Silvia Kibet. They encouraged me to believe in myself and supported me when I first started running by gifting me running shoes and gear. After finishing high school, I began running competitively, and soon I realized I’d found my passion. It has been my driving force ever since.”
What is the hardest part of training for major races or marathons?
“To be honest, I don’t find training particularly difficult—I’ve been doing this for over 15 years, and I still love it. That said, marathon training can be intense. For instance, running 38 kilometers close to your target race pace is tough, especially since you’re not as rested as you would be on race day. But the sense of accomplishment after completing such a session makes it all worthwhile. That keeps me motivated!”
How do you take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, during intense training?
“During training, my main focus is executing the day’s plan as effectively as possible, often with my training partners. That focus keeps me in the moment. After training, recovery becomes the priority. This includes plenty of sleep, sometimes a nap during the day, and taking time to relax with activities unrelated to running. These moments of rest are crucial for both my body and mind.”
What has been your most memorable running experience so far?
“My debut marathon in Australia is still my favorite memory. I finished in 2:29:07—under the 2.5-hour mark. This race was special because I wanted to ‘test the waters’ of marathon running before starting my family. That everything came together so perfectly in my first marathon was an incredible feeling and gave me a huge boost of confidence!”
What would you say to young girls with big dreams?
“Never stop believing in what you’re doing, even when things get tough. Setbacks are a natural part of growth. And most importantly, enjoy the journey toward achieving your dreams. If you find joy in the process, reaching your goals will feel even more rewarding.”
What goals or dreams do you hope to achieve in the future?
“I’d love to represent the Netherlands again on an international stage. Competing at a major tournament like the Olympics or earning a medal at the European Championships would be a dream come true. But beyond that, I want to keep growing as an athlete and improving with every step. Wherever the road leads, I’m ready for the challenge!”
Elizeba Franken-Cherono’s journey proves that passion, hard work, and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements. At Volare Sports, we’re proud to support Elizeba and look forward to cheering her on in her future achievements!
This blog was powered by Girlpower Radio.
