About us

What is the Kenya Experience?

Kenya Experience was born from a running holiday that blossomed into a deep love for Iten and its community. We hosted our first group in March 2011 and have since hosted hundreds of runners in Iten.

We aim to deliver a running camp of unparalleled quality for runners of all levels from around the world while strengthening 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 runners like them to train there with the appropriate support structures in place. They had a vision to make Iten an accessible training destination for all runners whilst also providing employment opportunities for highly skilled local experts as tour guides, coaches, and guide runners.

Gavin and Lauren were residents 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 (HATC), 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 and Richard Mukche, Head Coach. They are supported by Emmanuel Kipruto, Lead Run Guide.

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.

Emmanuel lead guide for Kenya experience runs

Emmanuel Kipruto

Lead Run Guide

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

Toni Hiram

Photographer

On hand to capture great images of your time in Iten. You'll have access to all of the photos Toni takes and edits throughout your adventure in Iten and beyond.

Kenya Experience Pacing Team and Running Guides

Mercy, Peter, Vinie, Belinda, Amos and the rest of the team!

Run Guides

We have a core team of running guides who join all of your main runs and workouts. They are there to show you the best trails, talk to you about their running journey, and pace your sessions.

Callum Jones

Customer Support - UK Office

Callum is your go-to person if you have any questions before you visit Iten. He's based in the UK... but would rather be in Kenya 🙂

Lauren and Gavin Smith

UK Office

We are now back in the UK, where we are bringing up the next generation of running enthusiasts! Hopefully, our little family will be running the Iten trails together soon.

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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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Book your trip

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

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