Weather Expectations
Iten’s location on the Great Rift Valley makes it ideal for training, but temperatures can vary widely:
- Afternoons: It gets beautifully warm, usually reaching the mid-20s Celsius/70s Fahrenheit.
- Mornings/Evenings: Due to the altitude, it can drop to approximately 10°C/50°F.
We’re hopeful for good weather! However, due to our position on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, short, very intense rain showers can occur, particularly overnight. The trails do get muddy quickly, but thankfully, they dry up quickly afterwards.
Packing Essentials
While washing facilities are available, we highly recommend bringing multiple items of the same training kit – you’ll want to be on amazing runs every day!
A Word of Warning: The Famous Red Dirt
The running trails in Iten are beautiful, but they are made of red dirt! Your shoes and clothes – especially socks – will turn a reddish-brown shade. Your washing machine at home should get things back to normal, but please do not bring anything you are precious about or don’t want exposed to this dust!
Running/Gym Kit
- T-Shirts (Short Sleeve) 3+
- T-Shirts (Long Sleeve) 2+
- Pairs of Shorts 2+
- Lightweight Running Trousers or Tights
- Lightweight Jacket or Fleece – Essential for those chilly early mornings!
- Socks, Numerous Pairs – They will get stained by the red dirt!
- Running Shoes (Road/Trail) 1+ pairs – Suitable for all the varying surfaces.
- Spare Trainers, 1 pair – Great for the gym and changing into after a wet run.
- Rain Jacket – For short, intense rain showers.
- Sports Sunglasses
- Hat / Sports Cap
Non-Training Attire
You’ll want to pack sufficient clothes for non-training activities, yes, it’s not all running!
Specifically, we would advise that you pack the following:
- Waterproof jacket
- Casual jacket or heavy fleece
These are in case of rain and for the evenings. Although the daytimes are expected to be warm and sunny the evenings can be quite chilly by comparison.
Additional Items
These are non-essential, but we recommend the following:
- Sun Cream/Sun Protection
- Vaseline or other lubricant – running at altitude in warm, dry conditions can increase the chances of chaffing.
- Notebook – For seminar and theoretical coaching sessions.
- Camera
- Toiletries – any personal items which you may forget to bring are available from the supermarkets in Iten and Eldoret. Just let us know if you need any help.
Towels
HATC provides one large shower towel and a hand towel. If you think you’ll need more than one large towel at a time, please bring an extra one!
Final Preparation Checks
Medical & Insurance Insurance
Your camp fee does not include personal insurance. We strongly advise that you take out your own comprehensive medical insurance before travelling.
Vaccinations: Please consult your GP/Travel Clinic for the latest advice. While anti-malarial drugs are usually unnecessary in high-altitude Iten, consulting a professional is always best.
Money Matters
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (Ksh). All local businesses (apart from supermarkets in Eldoret) deal only in cash.
ATMs: ATMs usually accept VISA without problems but may not accept Mastercard or AMEX.Exchange Tip: If exchanging cash, ensure your notes are less than 10 years old or they might be rejected!
Donations and Gifts
Donations are definitely not obligatory! However, if you choose to bring items like running shoes, clothes, or school supplies to donate, our staff will be happy to help you ensure they get to the right people in the local community who will truly appreciate your kindness.
We look forward to welcoming you to Kenya!
The Kenya Experience Team
