Fire damages a portion of the world’s most famous distance running school

St: Patrick's High School Iten dormitory on fire!!! Whats wrong with our schools? Something need to be done. pic.twitter.com/tXtpuskYoF

— David Rudisha MBS (@rudishadavid) July 26, 2016

One of the world’s most famous running schools, St. Patrick’s High School, caught fire today in Iten, Kenya. David Rudisha, the world record holder in the men’s 800m, tweeted out a photo and said that the school’s dormitory was in flames on Tuesday. Ikaika Sports reports that there are no casualties.

St. Patrick's fire, unconfirmed report – No casualties. One dormitory burned down. #Iten #Kenya

— Ikaika Sports (@IkaikaSports) July 26, 2016

The cause of the fire is not yet known. St. Patrick’s is a boys-only boarding school located approximately four kilometres from the town’s main track, Kamariny stadium.

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Rudisha did not attend St. Patrick’s but is coached by Colm O’Connell, who is also the school’s coach. The Irish-born coach moved to Kenya in 1976 to teach at the school and has stayed in Iten ever since. He coaches multiple world record holders and Olympic champions.

With my coach Colm. At Kenya Olympics trial, i wish the team to be selected all the best. pic.twitter.com/KVuNRDjlCY

— David Rudisha MBS (@rudishadavid) July 1, 2016

Notable runners who attended St. Patrick’s High School include former 800m world record holder Wilson Kipketer and Olympic champions Peter Rono and Matthew Birir.

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Some of Canada’s top distance runners, including Reid Coolsaet and Lanni Marchant, spend time each winter in Iten. The small town in Kenya is an ideal place for runners as it’s located at altitude and has lots of trails.