Name: Anthony Durkin
Age: 33
Country of Residence: UK
Kenya Experience Camp: June 2015
Running Times: 10k – 37.38, half marathon – 1.22

Between the ages of 16 & 22 I was a decent runner, I generally competed in middle distance & cross country at regimental level in the British Army. I sustained a pretty bad triple fracture to my left leg shortly after leaving the Army aged 22. I was told by my consultant that I wouldn’t run again. Four years ago I returned to Athletics and built my fitness from scratch. Whilst in Kenya I competed in my fifth marathon at Lewa. What do the doctors know? My preferred distances are 10K and the half and full marathon distances. My 10k PB is 37:38 which was achieved on my return from Iten. My HM PB is 1:22:45 and my marathon PB is 3:03:52.

Since coming back to the sport four years ago I have immersed myself in running.  I enjoy learning and improving, so when the chance to travel to and train in Kenya came about I jumped at the chance. Training in Iten for an amateur athlete like myself was like turning up to the Bernabeu and having a kick about with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. It really was the experience of a lifetime. I have learnt so much in such a short space of time and it has given me the confidence to push my running on to the next level.

Everything, from the people in the group, Songok and the team and the locals were all amazing. As well as having a once in a lifetime experience I have made a few friends who I will keep in contact with for years to come. I have also taken on board lots of knowledge from Hugo Van Den Broek. He really is a top coach. Songok and Hugo have both kept in touch since I left Kenya. Hugo has told me to send a message if I need any advice, tips, training plan assistance etc. Which is a really good touch.

It really was a great experience and I hope to return to Iten one day.

Thanks

Ant