The endurance of hope: Kenyan runners in Japan

Every Kenyan men's medalist in the Olympic marathon from 1988 until 2008 gained running experience in Japan. Despite these remarkable successes, many young Kenyans who follow in their footsteps find it challenging to achieve their vision of what constitutes a better life through sport. Yet, they remain hopeful and determined, sharing an endurance of hope, an unwavering resolve to forge ahead. Their journeys underscore the importance of portraying themselves as successful and in control of their destinies, which helps preserve their sense of masculinity. An analysis of their sporting life trajectories in Japan and Kenya highlights how sporting careers are imagined within broader projects of migration, specifically distance running, as well as the sheer perseverance of young men to reach their goals despite daunting odds.