Train at high altitude in Iten—the ‘Home of Champions’—with local pacemakers, track sessions, long road runs and recovery therapies. This 12-day program blends serious coaching with cultural visits and a Lake Baringo safari.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the dusty road into cool, thin air and the Rift Valley stretches away like a corridor of light—rolling farmland, clipped hedgerows and a ribbon of tarmac that invites steady miles. The Swiss Side camp sits on a grassy rise above Iten, where morning runs meet a skyline of distant escarpments and local athletes clip past as if the hills owed them money.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Strong aerobic base and experience with repeated hard workouts; comfortable running 50–60 km/week at sea-level before arrival
Wildlife
History
Iten rose to prominence after Brother Colm O’Connell’s coaching work from the 1980s, transforming local talent into international champions.
Conservation
Local conservancies around Lake Baringo and community foundations balance tourism with habitat protection; visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the 12 Days All-Inclusive Running Camp in Iten today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimate slowly
Spend the first 48–72 hours doing easy runs and sleep well—altitude lowers oxygen availability and your pace will feel slower.
Hydration and electrolytes
Carry a hydration vest and replace salts frequently; altitude and heat can increase fluid loss more than you expect.
Tread on mixed surfaces
Train on both clay tracks and tarmac—bring shoes for road pacing and soft-ground sessions to reduce impact.
Respect local schedules
If you visit St. Patrick or local foundations, ask permission for photos and follow guidance from hosts—these are working communities.
Lightweight road shoes
Primary footwear for long tarmac runs like Moiben and daily miles.
Trail/soft-ground shoes
Use for forest trails, hill work and clay track sessions to protect joints.
Hydration vest with 1–1.5L bladder
Carry fluids and gels on long runs; camp support covers refills but you’ll want personal access.
summer
Light insulating layer and rain shell
Mornings can be chilly and rains occur in March–May and Oct–Nov.
spring