From being a Lost Boy of Sudan, to running at Widener University, a division 3 school, where he was a multiple time national champion, to becoming an American citizen, and then finishing 33rd in the 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials, it is easy to say Macharia Yuot, 25, has come a long way.
Can you tell us about coming from Sudan to now becoming an American
citizen?
Coming from Sudan was a tough journey that was full of bitterness. It was the most difficult journey I had ever overcome. I think coming to America and becoming a citizen was great moment. It was very exciting for me because it has so much meaning and can lead to great success. It was a blessing to me because of the amazing experiences I’ve had in America: my success in school, my success outside the classroom makes me proud, and having friends as well as mentors in life here makes achieving the goals I have easier while staying focused.
What race are you currently training for and how is the training going?
Well, I just took time off from running after a long season. So it was time to rest and now I am back into training. I think my big race is the marathon, half, and some fast road races to gain my speed back before long races. However, the training had been great even though I didn’t have great prs this season. The season was tough for me. I had trouble getting into big competitions during the outdoor season so I missed some huge opportunities.
What is your ultimate goal race and how do you see it playing out?
My ultimate goal race is to see myself running 2:15 in the fall for the marathon, and 1:02 to 1:03 range for the half. The way this will work out is by doing the training that is necessary to achieve those goals (building the base this summer with more training over 100 miles a week will get me there and the rest will take care of itself).
How is your relationship with coach Touey?
Coach Touey had been great to me since I met him when I was in high school. He had done so much with me as a person, student, and athlete. He taught me so much in life–not only about winning gold medals, but also about how to be a better person, and student athlete to reach my potential in college and after college. Finally, Coach Touey inspired me so much in running and taught me how running can play a role in real life. My relationship with Coach Touey has been a big part of my success in training, workouts, or during competition.
Do you have training partners? If so, who do you workout with?
I don’t actually have training partners because it is difficult for everyone to stay together at the same pace especially during workouts. But I do run with Zach Miller(editors note: Widener alum ’07) and Kev Cunningham(editors note: Widener alum ’06) sometimes for easy runs around Widener.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is long tempo runs on the road.
What do you enjoy doing when not running?
When I am not running, there is always something to do. I lift, go out with my friends, go to the movies, and visit my Sudanese friends and cousin because I don’t see them that much during the season.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I want to be able to say that I coudn’t do any better than I did because I have given all that God had in store for me. Also in ten years I see myself being happy for my successes and accomplishments on and off the competitive arena.
Thank you,
Macharia
Macharia, thank you for your time and for a great interview.
The American Distance Project 