About us

What is the Kenya Experience?

Kenya Experience are the original running holiday in Iten. We hosted our first group in March 2011 and have since hosted hundreds of runners in Iten.

Our goal is to provide a running camp of unparalleled quality for runners of all levels from all corners of the world whilst enhancing and developing the local community.

The Beginning:

Kenya Experience was founded by Gavin and Lauren Smith in 2010. During their first trip to Iten they noticed that Iten was predominantly visited by elite athletes and that there was little opportunity for recreational and club athletes to train there with the appropriate support structures in place. They had a vision to make Iten an accessible training destination for runners of all levels whilst also providing employment opportunities for highly skilled local experts in the form of tour guides, coaches and guide runners.

Gavin and Lauren were resident in Iten from 2011 until late 2014 when they returned home to the UK. During their time in Iten Lauren was General Manager of the High Altitude Training Centre and Gavin worked alongside famed coach Renato Canova.

Meet the experts who will lead your running camp in Iten:

Our team in Iten consists of the perfect mix of experience & youth, local knowledge & international expertise. We have assembled a world class staff who will ensure that your running camp in Iten is the trip of a lifetime.

Our team is led by Willy Songok, Head of Guest Relations. He leads the team which includes coaches Collins Kibet and Richard Mukche Photographer Alex Kariankei, and the team of guide runners which is captained by Emmanuel Kipruto.

In addition to our core team you will also be joined each day on camp by our fantastic group of local run guides who will share the trails as well as their stories with you on training runs.

Willy Songok

Head of Guest Relations

Our chief tour guide and your first point of contact throughout the camp.

Richard Mukche

Coach

Former pro athlete and a hugely experienced coach. Richard will be with you throughout the camp, coaching your workouts, leading seminars and practical sessions.

Collins Kibet

Coach

With you at every step, joining you for all runs and sessions, working closely with Richard and Songok.

Alex Kariankei

Photographer & Assistant Guide

On hand to capture great images of your time in Iten.

UK Office

Our Office is based in Loughborough in the United Kingdom

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RebecaSpain
“The whole team is incredible – they really made our trip special.”

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The Kenya Experience team were a pleasure to deal with from booking, to the entire trip and after getting back too. Thanks for some incredible memories that will last a lifetime!Tom
“UK”

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SarahUK
“From the start it’s been well organised and the staff along the way have been lovely.”

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TheunsWestlake School Coach and Teacher
“As always The Kenya Experience staff were very professional and accommodating”

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KristoferEstonia
“Thank you for all The Kenya Experience staff for the professional guidance and help in Kenya, it was such a positive experience.”

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Our running camps provide an inspirational location, expert coaching and a supportive group environment for runners of all levels.

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