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Known for traditional safaris, tourist destinations typical of Africa, the continent had an increase in sports. It’s near the border with Uganda in the mountains of Nandi, in Kenya, the Project ‘Nandi Runners’. The program is led by dedicated athletes Who was born in the region and has received a wave of foreigners seeking to learn the successful techniques from Kenyan runners in the Mecca of African athletism. In addition to the training routine, the visitors interact with the local community to enjoy the region.
“There are dozens of training camps for athletics in Kenya, especially in the north, but the mountains from Nandi are preferred because of the climate, soil, location and status of being the stronghold of the great Kenyan runners” told me by phone Nicholas Daniels, one of the directors.
“The project came with the goal of providing the best merchandise that the region has to visitors and athletes and thus provide an opportunity to improve the economy of people Who are living here” said George Tarus (using black paints in photo above), one of the guides and responsible for leading the visitors, who come from various parts of the world such as Europe, America and India.
The organizers have already detected several types of visitors. “Many them want to build a career in athletism and others already are athletes. Others are merely curious and we want to encourage visitors to go beyond the daily training, and experience the heritage and cultural diversity of the local” explained Daniels.
“Athletes, coaches and community members are heavily involved in every aspect of the project. It is through interaction with local people that visitors can observe and understand the full extent of the success of athletes from Nandi hills. Marathon runners receive and train visitors and the community development programs are funded by the project, that no receives government assistance and income is maintained by the renowned local athletes” Tarus said.
In the beginning the project began as a simple training program between the Kenyan runners and people who wanted to know their secrets and training methods. To arrange and coordinate the visitors to stay and develop programs for training, the runners have attracted a visitor profile that combines athletism and tourism, offering an organized destination in the most remote and fascinating part of Kenya.
As an Englishman living in Africa, is Daniels (using green shirt in photo) who details how the relationship developed between the Kenyan and foreign runners who train in the mountains of Nandi.
“The athletes are keen observers and they love to learn methods of training with the Kenyan champions. After the training, they have an unique experience in our community that prides itself on hospitality and athletism together. This project is more than one exchange, is a celebration of people interested in athletism and cultural interaction” emphasized.
“There are not secrets in the success of Kenyan athletes”Respected in the athletic tracks and marathons all over the globe, the most renowned Kenyan athletes are trained in Nandi hills, but Daniels makes sure that there is no mystery.
“There are no secrets in the success of Kenyan athletes in races of middle and long distance. There are numerous books and articles are often written about it. In addition to several documentaries and academic studies that explain the historic, socio-cultural and natural features who has trained many champions” said.
“The only secret is our ability to coordinate training programs with visitation and interaction between foreigners and the local community. We have an experience of training with new patterns of tourism in athletism. A project that serves both: visitors and local interests” concluded.
Athletes in the project
Considered the ‘father of athletism in Kenya’, the ex-former athlete Kipchoge Keino is the great reference from countless athletes who has emerged in the region of Nandi Hills. At age 71, he is chief of country’s Olympic committee and has an orphanage in Eldoret, where he lives. Keino trust Wilfred Burgei (photo), double Olympic champion in the 800 meters and general director of the project. He is the boss who coordinates and gives the final word on everything that concerns the ‘Nandi Runners’.
“Burgei is extremely active, he is always looking to promote and develop the project. When he is in Kenya to realize his happiness to interact and share knowledge with visitors. He is very proud of the project and the athletes that the region has revealed and can reconcile his time as an athlete and manager” said Daniels.
George leaves a message for who wants to visit Nandi Hills. “Runners of all levels are welcome and beyond the training may have an unique experience in our region. Our community treats on hospitality and athletic tradition, with new patterns of tourism in athletism, serving local and visitors interests”.Service:Who wants to know more and are interested in spending 10 days in the fantastic mountains of Nandi just get in touch with Nicholas Daniels.
+ 254 (0) 711 706 352
