Arrival in Iten - Home of Champions

Iten - Participants are warmly welcomed at Eldoret International Airport in the afternoon. The transfer journey through Eldoret city takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach The Swiss Side, your camp for the next 12 days. After initial instructions and some rest, you embark on your first high-altitude run. Enjoy your first evening at the camp.

Acclimatization Run #2

Iten - Acclimatization continues with a gentle 50-minute run. Throughout the camp, participants run alongside a local athlete (male for male participants, female for female participants) who acts as a guide. The pace is relaxed due to the thin air. The hills on the return to Iten are particularly challenging. The session concludes with a few strides.

In the afternoon, visit The Olympic Corner, a local workshop known for its famous bracelets. Learn the art of crafting these or place an order for family and friends.

Back at the camp, enjoy your first Kenyan massage and experience the unique spa facilities, including a sauna and ice bath.

Track Session Day

Rift Valley Province - In the afternoon, participants are provided with mountain bikes and a local guide for a ride around Iten. Choose between an easy ride along the Rift Valley, through the Kenyan countryside to a lake, or a forest ride.

The evening is a chance to play social games with fellow athletes at The Swiss Side, such as Uno or Jenga.

Acclimatization Run #4

Iten - As the body begins to feel the effects of previous training days, this “easy” day is welcomed. The 50-minute run with a Kenyan group (who will quickly outpace you) offers insight into what makes local runners so formidable. Their determination will leave a lasting impression and inspire you upon returning home.

In the afternoon, a core class can be arranged on request to share with local runners before your second massage of the week.

Fartlek with the Kenyans!

Iten - Thursday presents the chance to join the Kenyans in their most challenging workout of the week: the renowned Kenyan fartlek. Starting at 9:00 AM after a 5 km warm-up, it involves 30 to 40 minutes of 1’/1’, 2’/1’, or 3’/1’ on a hilly course. Options to run at an easy pace or follow the runners on a motorbike are available.

In the evening, learn to prepare Kenyan dishes (chapatis and ugali) in a unique cooking workshop, enabling you to recreate local meals for friends back home.

Acclimatization Run #6

Iten - Another “easy” day to allow for recovery. This run is particularly slow and on soft ground, likely in the Kamariny forest.

In the afternoon, visit the Gathimba Edwards Foundation, which is doing remarkable work in the Iten region. Their Gathimba village was entirely built by volunteers, some of whom joined following this 12-day running camp. If you enjoy the visit, you can return in the coming days.

After the visit, relax in the spa, getting accustomed (or not) to the ice bath :-)

Long Run Day

Safari in Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo - Sunday is a rest day from running, perfect for exploring Kenya, particularly Lake Baringo, located 2.5 hours from Iten. Upon arrival, enjoy a unique boat ride to observe various bird species, hippos, and crocodiles. After reaching the other side of the lake, embark on a walking safari to visit the Ruko Conservancy, home to several Rothschild’s Giraffes. Following this experience, return to your starting point, enjoy a well-deserved lunch, and travel back to Iten.

Monday Hill Work

Iten - Monday is dedicated to hill training. Local runners typically select a slope or hill and run on it for 40 to 60 minutes. Participants can experience this at their own level, for 20 to 30 minutes at their own pace. This prepares you for the following day’s track session.

In the afternoon, join a core class session and spend time recovering with massages, sauna, and ice bath.

Rift Valley Province - For an additional fee, experience a unique paragliding flight around The Rift Valley. This activity depends on weather conditions and requires early booking (72 hours in advance).

Track Session in Eldoret

Easy Day

Fartlek with the Kenyans!

Iten - Another chance to witness the world’s best runners in action. As the camp nears its end, savor every moment of this spectacle.

Enjoy the last evening at the camp with fellow participants.

Last Run in Iten

Iten - After your final morning run in Iten, you will be transferred to Eldoret International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

• Full access to sauna & cryotherapy + 4 traditional Kenyan massages
• 1 safari at Lake Baringo + 1 cultural activity
• Quality accommodation with WIFI (shared, private on demand)
• Transfers to and from Eldoret International Airport
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Pacemaker / runner-guide

• Torok Waterfalls hike (40 USD)

Make your dream come true and run alongside the world’s top athletes!

This camp, held in Iten - the Home of Champions, is one of a kind. You’ll stay at The Swiss Side, a cozy camp nestled in the heart of Iten, where you’ll be supported by our team of professionals.

What makes this camp special is its flexibility; it can be held at any time of the year. Simply choose your start date, and you’re all set!

In Iten, you’ll enjoy the best the area has to offer: unique trails, top-notch facilities (ice bath, sauna), exclusive activities (visits to St-Patrick School, local associations, and meetings with champions), and expert advice from our international staff.

We are dedicated to providing the best environment for every runner who joins us. Since 2021, we’ve welcomed over 200 runners from more than 50 countries, and we invite you to read their feedback online.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.