Kenya Experience Reviews 113

Well, this is my third visit - so I guess that speaks for itself. But each time I learn and experience more, which just makes me want to come back again!

I dont know where to start. There is so much I would like to write here but I'll try to keep it short. i was allowed to spend two unforgettable weeks in kenya. I am totally in love with this country. the whole landscape. the nature. The people. from the first moment we were picked up at the airport i felt really comfortable. we were warmly welcomed by richard, collins, willy and all the others. the accommodation was fantastic. Everyday they cleaned our room. We had fresh towels. We had everything we needed. the food was incredibly delicious. We really appreciate and were happy for every food we got. Every day was intense and exciting and we were able to learn so much. We have learned not just about training. weve learned so much more. the training sessions were very varied. The program was amazing and also de safari. We had a lot of chances talking with different coaches about de life and training in Kenya. Everyone of the organisation took care of us. Our Group was insane. Everybody was supporting each other. It was not just a group. It was family. A big thank you to the whole organization and especially to Collins, Richard, Willy, the kitchen and all the pacers and the whole stuff. It was incredibly. The pacers were so motivated. They pushed and supported us so much. We had so much fun during our runs even if it was really taff. Nobody was alone and we could all go out of our comfortzone. I will definitely come back again. Thank you for everything. You all made my stay to one of the most wonderful experiences in life. I would say everybody has to to this experience in life. You will never regret. I will promise =)

The Kenya Experience is exactly that….an experience and one you won’t find anywhere else. The opportunity to train alongside athletes, learn from quality coaches, eat real kenyan food and just immerse yourself in the kenyan spirit is one i will never regret taking.
Yes i got injured in the second week, but the team were on hand to encourage, support and point me to getting some rehab. I was in the worst place to be injured but equally the best to recover quickly and still PB at a marathon 2 weeks later.
Willy was an amazing host who would be calm and assuring. Hugo, Collins and Cal were full of information as the coaches.
Seeing more about the community was inspiring too. I now focus on the “kenyan spirit” when the going gets tough on runs.

The only regret you will have with this trip is not booking and going.

Thank you so much to the whole team at Running Trips. It was an experience I will never forget. Since returning from Iten, I have PB'd in my 5 & 10ks, half marathon and best of all I knocked off 4 minutes over the full marathon distance, 2:55 at Hamburg.

Putting aside personal bests, I learnt so much being immersed in the running cultre of Kenya, including nutrition, training techniques, recovery, history, meeting the locals, I feel so greatful to have had the experience.

Great bunch in the camp as well, just brilliant being surrounded by like minded people, and we all still keep in contact today.

Thanks to everyone, and I can't wait to return.

I was lucky enough to go along to the first Uk based training camp with 'Running Trips' and throughly enjoyed the whole weekend. As competitive club runner, i learnt a lot more than i was expecting if I'm totally honest. From training philosophies, recovery techniques, how to improve my running gait and race day mantras; the weekend was jam-packed with information from expert coaches, top-tier athletes and even an olympian. I'd highly recommend to runners of all levels looking to take there training to the next level. Amazing how just a few days left me feeling more motivated than ever, as a worked hard towards my first marathon. 5 stars- no brainer.

As a 55 year old average runner I wasn't sure if I would 'fit in', with thoughts of being left behind by faster younger runners and coaches wondering what I was doing there.
The reality couldn't have been further from the truth.

Communication prior to the camp was comprehensive and my many questions were answered very quickly, ranging from what shoes to wear to what flights to get.

Kenya Experience has a fantastic friendly team working with them so whether it be airport pick up, running pacers, coaches, cooks, photographer etc things just worked very well. All overseen by the main man Willy Songok.

This company manage to turn a training camp into a fantastic experience that will live long in my memory and one I intend on experiencing again.. If my wife will let me..

5 stars no less.....

The whole experience is a nice balance between running, relaxing, a cultural experience and learning in a physical as well as a mental way.
There is plenty of flexibility so runners from all levels and different backgrounds is catererd for.
You ll experience the way Kenyan runners train and live and will be able to ask world class Kenyan athletes about their road to succes.
Coaches Collins, Callum and Hugo have a nice 2 week program scheduled which can be adjusted to your personal demands if needed.
I left the experience mentally relaxed revived and inspired. Physically I notice an increase in fitness and performance that will hopefully will give me a push for the upcoming events in 2022.

Thank you Coaches, pacers, staff at the HATC and Willy for taking care of us and contributing to this great experience.

Asante Sana

Erik Wolf
The Netherlands

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train at altitude alongside world-class Kenyan athletes. We stayed in very comfortable accommodation, with delicious meals cooked three times a day using only the freshest local ingredients. Our Kenyan hosts catered for our every need, while our UK and Dutch coaches provided personalised, expert coaching input for all runners. Every run was alongside Kenyan 'pacer' runners, some of whom literally could contend for the UK Olympic team if they were British, and yet here they were kindly coaxing and cajoling us over the rolling red hills of the Iten trails. Alongside opportunities to rest, relax, sightsee, and drink beer with panoramic views of the Rift Valley, we got to do gym, pilates, core, track and massage sessions - all of which are extra pieces of the jigsaw that comprises the unique Kenyan way of training. I am a reasonably fit runner for my age, and usually train 6 days a week. Yet after just a fortnight at altitude I returned home now able to run faster than I have done for years. More importantly I made some wonderful new friends - both from Kenya, and from our group who came from across the globe; developed fresh perspective and insight into how my training can improve, and a heightened appreciation for the 'home of champions.' Iten, with her astonishing athletes, really is one of the most remarkable places on Earth.

As a 66 year old lady runner on my own (and therefore in the minority!) I was made to feel very welcome at all times, whilst being given my own space when necessary. The profile of the group was generally much younger and mostly male - inevitably they were excellent runners and keenly competitive, which suited me fine. In fact the whole group gelled extremely well and were great company.
The Kenya Experience team were excellent - supportive, informative and well-organised, including detailed pre-departure e-mails from Callum. Willy Songok in particular went out of his way to ensure that everything was OK. Meeting and getting to know the local 'pacers' was fascinating and a real privilege - they were a super bunch.
What I particularly liked was the immersion in Kenyan culture ie. travelling to see the weekly fartlek, Kipchoge Keino track in Eldoret, charity visit etc. so downtime was minimised.
Although a coach myself, I picked up useful tips to bring back to England, with a slightly different slant to warm up drills. Also of course looking at the amazing bank of photos taken by Enock!
Although quite rare for me to give such a review, I can honestly say that the title accurately reflects my time spent with the Kenya Experience a couple of weeks ago.

This was one of the best experiences that I have had! Camp well organized with excellent facilities. Willie the camp manager was on top of any issue and always around. Pacers were great by providing support without putting any pressure to run more than you are capable off. Days had enough down time with runs in am and sometimes pm with occasional evening running drills and afternoon discussions on running strategies as well as meeting with elite arhletes. Never felt bored. Highly recommend this experience to any runner of any age or capability!

What can I say but it was so good I went a second time.
The staff couldn't do enough for you and the coaches and guides were very knowledgable. The group hoste Songok goes out of his way to help and has a personality than will ease you.
Accomodation was adequate and comfortable.
No matter what level of runner you are this place accommodates everyone so don't be afraid to click book when the time comes to book your trip.
I will be coming back again that's for sure.

Three years ago this month we took a group of high school athletes from our club to a Kenya Experience camp in Iten. To say that the experience was life changing for our athletes, coaches, and chaperones is an understatement. The coaching and advice we received from Hugo and Collins was excellent. Host Willie made us feel welcome and comfortable and took care of our every need. Our guides and pacers Carolyn, Peter, Emmanuel and all the others made sure we were challenged and safe. The facilities and food were first class
I highly recommend The Kenya Experience to Athletic Clubs all over the world as an opportunity to provide young athletes with the experience of a lifetime.
Graham Fast
President
Riversdale Athletics Club
Saskatoon Canada

Kenya Experience.
The place to learn the secrets behind success in athletics.
The hospitality is amazing and would advice anyone willing to visit Kenya to signup with Kenya Experience, it is a life changing experience.

An amazing and immersive running holiday plonking you right in the middle of the fastest community of runners on earth! The food and accommodation was great and Willy was an outstanding host. Whilst there I was fortunate enough to meet lots of Olympic champs and former world record holders like Wilson Kipsang and David Rudisha. I would recommend this running holiday to anyone!

Through my time living in Iten I was fortunate to be involved in several Kenya Experience trips and met some amazing staff and guests who remain friends to this day. In addition to the fantastic trip they organise, Kenya Experience do a huge amount to support the local community. This includes bringing business to a local hotel/camp, employing several Kenyan staff and providing work for pacemakers/guides and drivers and also donating £10 for every guest to local charity, GEF; with the funds going directly to the school fees, uniform and books of children in need. Keep up the great work Kenya Experience!

The Kenya Experience was absolutely incredible from the moment I met the team in Eldoret airport and all the way up until the goodbyes in camp!

Every aspect of the camp has been put together to ensure runners of all abilities are able to learn and really get the most out of each training session, classes and group activities!
The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to take in the wealth of knowledge that is provided and put what you learn into practice and still making the tougher sessions fun!

At no point did I feel out of my depth and the staff work with you on a personal level to understand your pervious experience and expectations so to best suit the experience to each individual!

Highly recommended and can’t wait to go back in the future!

I attended the Feb 2020 Kenya Experience and had a fantastic time. I had been thinking about taking a trip out to Kenya for some time and did research it quite extensively. I know I made the best decision to go with The Kenya Experience.

All the challenges of what to do and where to run are taken care of, though to be fair it doesn’t take long to find your way around Iten and familiarise yourself with the routes. KE will prepare a schedule for all their visitors which is all optional. However I would suggest you make the most of everything available and immerse yourself in what’s going on. Though you will have plenty of free time to please yourself. Iten is very safe and you will feel very comfortable walking around town.

The accommodation at The High Altitude Training Centre is of a good standard. Its not an extensive site which I liked as everything is only a couple of minutes walk. The dining room, gym, pool and lounge area are all close by. Also it only a 2 minute walk to the main road where you start your activities. The food is of a good standard, all cooked on site and plentiful. You won’t go hungry ! The catering staff are very kind and helpful and can’t do enough for you.

The KE staff on hand are all lovely people and so helpful. From Hugo and Collins who look after the coaching to Willy the Customer Manager and the local athletes who act as your guides. The advice and help you will receive is amazing.

The standard of coaching is first class and the knowledge available to learn from is extensive. You are working with class athletes who have a vast amount of experience. The guided runs are just the right balance between tough enough to stretch you but not too tough to exhaust you. Its all done with a mind to the next run and the one after that and so on. The majority of the guided runs were early morning at 6.30am which gives you the option of doing your own thing later in the day if you choose. There are also sessions at the 2 local tracks, Kamariny and Tambach and a chance to take part in the famous Iten fartlek. The drill and core strength sessions are excellent too. Coaches corner with Hugo and Collins is something you have to make the most of. Great advice and the opportunity to discuss all things running with the coaches and the rest of your group.

There were also optional excursions to Nakuru Safari reserve, St Patricks School in Iten, visits to elite athletes who live locally, trips to see the Gathimba Charity work and other charities in Eldoret. These are all excellent trips and if you get the opportunity you won’t regret going along.

Regardless of level of running ability everyone can benefit, from beginners all the way through to the most experienced runners. There are elite athletes literally everywhere in Iten and it really is a different world and a real eye opener. There is so much to learn from so many lovely, helpful people. You won’t find any ego’s in Iten.

My advice to anyone thinking of running in Kenya is to go with the Kenya Experience. You will have the best time and make friends for life.

We will be back!
When my better half suggested that we spend 2 week at 2400 m above sea level, running hard twice a day, I was not so sure. But the moment we stepped out of the plane in Eldoret where the Kenya Experience team welcomed us, all doubts disappeared. Everybody, the coaches, staff, locals and running mates were just outstanding. I enjoyed running with the pacers and friends in the great (hilly!) outdoors, being inspired by the occasional world champion who was training on the same trails and learning a lot during the runs and in the additional session. A good gym and pool helped to stretch and relax the sore legs... Over the days, friendships developed and I would not want to miss a minute of the trip.
I also feel we got closer to the Kenyan secret of running fast-it is not only the "genes" or "ugali", but also the training regime and terrain and, above all, the deeply rooted positive attitude. There are many things I brought back from this experience-including faster and smoother running, as tested and confirmed on the first long run after my return home.

The Kenyan experience has been fantastic.

On arrival at the airport Enock the photographer had such a warm welcome which from the point I knew the camp would be more than I’d ever imagined.

The accommodation was a good standard providing very comfortable living for the stay. Meals very nutritious and delicious, providing meals that are balanced with a combination of local dishes and western meals.

Guest relations run by Willy is top notch. I’ve not had such exceptional Customer service as there was nothing that was too difficult to handle. Willy has a vast amount of knowledge of Kenya and is always willing to share his personal account of life as a Kenyan. Making the stay feel like home away from home

Training sessions run by head coach Hugo and coach Collins were challenging and extremely educational proving knowledge of what training sessions should be done and clearly providing guidance on how to structure quality training plans covering both run, strength and conditioning and additional insight covering mental strategy nutrition and many more topics during the coach corner sessions. The team of pacers were always there for all abilities and always there to ensure runners are never alone and guided the runs so no one ever got lost.

I’d definitely recommend the camp to all levels of runners as the group I was in covered all abilities and I’ve left feeling I’ve gained so much and can’t wait to go back

Amazing experience ! Staff, coaches, pacers, they are all perfect. I will definitly come back in this camp :)