Limo went to Chebara and Lelboinet High Schools, but enlisted for the Kenyan Army in 1993, without completing his studies. He started full-time training in 1996 and was based at an army camp in Ngong, near capital Nairobi. He competed in his first race abroad at the 1998 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Marrakech, Morocco and finished fourth in the short race.
He earned his first international medals in 1999. Limo won the 1999 World Cross Country Championships and placed second in the 5,000 m at the World Championships, less than one second behind winner Salah Hissou. His silver medal in the 5000 m was earned less than 13 months after he ran his first race at that distance.
Benjamin Limo has never participated in the Olympic Games, due to the rule which allows only three athletes from each nation to participate. His nation Kenya having an abundance of good middle-distance runners, making it is extremely difficult to qualify.
He made his marathon debut in October 2008 finishing 12th at the Amsterdam Marathon.[1]