Ethiopian experience molds marathoners

ADDIS ABABA - On undulating dirt tacks near Addis Ababa, Chinese runners push through the pain barrier, hopeful of one day emulating Ethiopia's marathon masters.

The right training methods and some good old-fashioned hard work could make that dream a reality, according to Chinese coach Gesang Ciren, who has spent the past five years in the African country's highlands to take advantage of the ideal training conditions.

In particular, Gesang is drawn to the famous Entoto Mountains on the outskirts of the capital.