Kenya Experience Reviews 113

I joined the camp with my high school son who loves running and who is a huge fan of Eliude Kipchoge!

The reviewer Christos did an excellent job highlighting “The Kenya Experience”. I like to add that the camp is not only for serious runners but open for runners at all levels. I am a recreational runner in mid-50’s and I received the same amount of attention and coaching (as well as a pacer) as the other athletes.

Willy Songok will ensure everyone has a wonderful experience. Coach Richard will observe and listen and tailor the training for each individual.

From the initial contact with Callum Jones to the last day at the camp, I experienced professionalism, guidance, support, and care. My son and I are already planning a return trip!

Everything in this experience was wonderful. It was not just about running lessons and training, it was about lessons for life.
Asante sana to all coaches, athletes, pacers and camp staff. 🙏🏻

The camp experience was awesome. It overpassed the expectations since the first contact with Songok and through the whole two weeks period.
Accommodations are simple but comfortable. Good food prepared by a lovely staff at the restaurant.
Training sessions are a positive surprise every day and always well supported by a team of excellent pacers.
Best experience ever.

From first to last this has been a truly remarkable experience. The whole team led by Willy Songok were first class responding to all our individual needs.
From learning to run better to understanding the challenges of living in Kenya the whole experience has been life changing. The opportunity to meet elite coaches and athletes and local people was a rare treat and one that will stay with me for a long time.
The ability to mix with people with the same interests from different countries and cultures was special creating rationships that will extend into the future.
I look forward to being able to return soon.

Fantastic. Inspiring. Wunderbar. Not just for running. Truly a life-changing experience, thanks to the wonderful people like Willy, the master of ceremonies, as well as coach Richard, the many pacers and everyone else involved. The facilities are beautiful and just right to keep you focused. I liked the food, the training, the sessions, the people around me, the spare time. Such a well-rounded package – perfect.

The Kenya Experience with Running Trips in March 2023 was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I have been running for many years hence I knew about Iten and the Kenyan way but never thought I would go run there with the elites and learn from them.

These two weeks gave me, and will give you, a unique perspective on how elites in Kenya run, train, eat, live and most importantly their attitude towards the sport, which they are so good at.

The High Altitude Training Centre is a perfect place with all amenities needed for a safe, comfortable and happy stay. From the organizers, Callum and his team in the UK, to the staff and coaches at HATC everyone is genuinely warm and friendly. My utmost regards to Willy Songok, Coach Richard, Collins, Pacer Emmanuel for their patience, planning and professionalism. Not only did we meet amazing Kenyans on the trip but also great cohort of fellow runners from around the world. Those friendships will stay for a long time.

As a passionate yet average club runner, I was only concerned about whether I am signing up for something far above my capability. The coaches ensured we all ran at our comfort level. There was not much discussion around pace - it was all about having fun, listening to your body and doing what you feel is your best run.

I would highly recommend this trip to any avid runner. I loved every bit of the experience and will cherish it for the years to come.

My two weeks here were incredible. Willy went out of his way to make sure we were happy and settled in well. The coaching team and pacers were also brilliant. They really do cater to all running paces, which is something that had worried me (as a slower runner) before arriving. The experience exceeded all my expectations and I can’t recommend it highly enough to all runners.

Perfect place. Really nice coaches and very nice place to run. This was an amazing experience!

I absolutely loved the training camp in Kenya and would recommend it to anyone who loves running. Iten is such a beautiful and inspiring place and the camp is excellent value for money. The UK-based team (shout out to Callum!) was really responsive in answering questions beforehand and shared loads of info to help plan for the trip. Also worth noting that I had to postpone my trip at the last minute after I had an accident and they were really kind throughout the process and moved my spot to a later camp. The Kenya-based team (shout out to Willy, Richard, Emmanuel, Caroline, Faith and Peter) were amazing too. I was the slowest runner in the group but always had someone to run with so I could take things at my own pace but still push myself. The sessions were all brilliant and included long runs, fartlek, track sessions and intervals. The facilities at the camp were great as well - with delicious food, a pool and a gym. If you're someone who needs to eat before a run, the runs all start before breakfast so I'd recommend taking gels or some snacks with you - or stock up on local bananas :-) And if like me you live in a fairly flat place, get some hill running and strength training in before you go because Iten is very hilly! Lastly, Peter (one of the pacers) is also a masseuse. I had 2 massages with him while I was there and would really recommend as they helped my legs to recover well from the hills and mileage.

An amazing running trip in Iten, Kenya. We received brilliant support and advice from host Willy, and coach Richard, along with the support of pacer runners who ensure everyone has someone to run with them on the beautiful Kenyan trails.
Staying at the High Altitude Training Centre is an excellent base, enables you to meet other runners from all over the world and share experiences. The accommodation is practical, comfortable and clean, with plentiful food/meal breaks.
There’s a lovely pool/terrace for relaxing after the morning run.

Fantastic weekend at the recent Loughborough Training Camp. Contact leading up to the weekend was spot on and gave you a good feel of what to expect. The Elite Athletes Hotel was brilliant! Very clean and comfortable and food was on offer throughout the weekend, you want for nothing…basically!
James Thie was awesome on the Saturday and offered everyone invaluable knowledge and expert advice, no matter what level you are at. Matt Bergen on Sunday was brilliant, huge depth of knowledge and experience to offer & aid any running enthusiast sound advice and take home knowledge they can use for years ahead. Callum & Gavin not only ensured everything ran perfectly but they were there throughout the weekend assisting and also offering there own wealth of knowledge as well. Callum even squeezed in an extra PowerPoint session, much appreciated! Kevin Seewards informal talk on the Saturday night was amazing, to chat and listen to the experience of a double Olympic marathoner and glean some of his wealth of running knowledge was truly memorable..:thank you Kev.
Would recommend this weekend to ALL runners looking to broaden there understanding of the sport we all love so much….well done guys and thank you 😊

Was a well planned weekend all the coaches were really friendly Nothing was too much trouble and every question was answered would’ve liked to have heard more from Callam Felt he had more to offer didn’t have time to share everything with us
The physio section was useful but could’ve been shorter then maybe we could’ve heard more from Callam
I would recommend this course
The first day with James what is interesting and helpful I enjoyed the running session
And information from him was useful
It was a great weekend thankyou all 😊

Wonderful, informative experience plus a lovely bunch of people

Rio: Amazing Experience, with Amazing experts on the field of the subject. Knowledge was provided to us both through practical methods as well as theoretical.
Routine through the day was brilliant.
Training sessions were outstanding.
Other supporting sports professionals, such as physios, coaches where aslo there.
Definitely a place to go regardless of your running ability.

I attended the weekend long camp with my son (15 yrs old) and we had a great time. The setting is second to none and was totally inspiring as elite athletes ran past us and sport was everywhere. The weekend doubled as a chance for my son to get a feel for the Loughborough Uni Campus and he was impressed.
Classroom seminars were informative and thought provoking and led by relaxed, knowledgeable people. The runs were well organised and catered for all levels.
The hotel was superb and the food delicious.
A lovely group of people and a chance for some father/son bonding. Strongly recommend.

Amazing trips with a fabulous team of knowledgeable coaches, professionals and experts! Highly recommend for anyone who is passionate about running

I would highly recommend the UK running focus camps to runners of all abilities. I attended the first UK running focus camp in March 2022, and it was a great experience! You gain valuable education on a plethora of running topics; from learning the tips and tricks of elites and coaches, to learning how to maintain running form from cutting-edge physiotherapists. My personal favourite was the group runs and the camaraderie among other runners on the camp was something else! I would go back in a flash!

The Kenya experience- what an experience. This is a review that could have turned into a journal!

I’m just your average runner, aspiring to run a sub 3 hour marathon. I attended the recent marathon specific camp in Iten Kenya. I can honestly say, it was the best experience of my life. I learned so much about running and the life of a Kenyan runner. It will all be worth it in a future marathon, when I see the first digit is 2.

I travelled alone from Ireland, 6,000 miles to Kenya. I had a few concerns about, where and what exactly I getting into (prior to departure, all question were answered with an abundance of knowledge and relevant detail) all the same I still a little nervous. Upon arrival any concerns were gone within minutes.

I got picked up at the airport by Coach Collins, his enthusiasm and professionalism, made it a very relaxed journey on the short drive to camp.

Within our camp, there was 6 different nationalities, none of us had met before, the biggest compliment I can give to my fellow camp members is, that after only a few days, it felt like we had known each other for years. The coaches and staff made this transition very easy. The facilities are impressive, there’s also a gym, sauna and 25m pool within camp.

The specific marathon training was perfect, various speed workouts, track and long runs, mixed with easy and recovery runs. Kenya is hilly, ‘hills pay the bills’, when it come to race day! This was combined with S&C and core classes. On one particular track day, I got lucky enough to meet Eliud Kipchoge and get a photo, the week before he ran his world record. A day I will never forget.

On rest day we had an opportunity to explore a real life safari. This was pretty special seeing so many animals, up close and in their natural habitat. Worth a visit when you decide to attend a camp.

The coaches, staff, chefs, camp organisers and fellow camp members, made this the best experience I could have had. It’s beyond words, I could keep writing but where do I stop?! All I can say is, if you’re considering a Kenya experience camp, do it hesitate, get it booked! You won’t regret it, no matter what your level of running, like I said, I’m just your average runner.

I will be for sure attending a future camp.

What an amazing team, coaches, environment and place! Learning about their culture, humble lifestyle, training, diet, etc. It was one of the best experience I have ever had. It was really impressive how they cared about every single detail as well as the level of expertise of the coaches. It was an unforgettable experience and for sure, I will be back :)

Great experience!
It was very well organised and I learnt a lot.
I definitely want to come back.