Running with the Kenyans

by Adharanand Finn
Running with the Kenyans cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Travel and Adventure
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 5560
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • ISBN: 9780571274079
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2012-04-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Adharanand Finn, a Runner's World contributor, embarks on a journey to Kenya to understand the training and lifestyle that makes Kenyan athletes world champions. Living among them, he experiences their daily routines, from running on dirt tracks to eating their food and attending their schools. His ultimate goal is to compete in his first marathon, an exhilarating race across the Kenyan plains. This immersive account offers a unique glimpse into the world of elite Kenyan runners and the culture that shapes their success. Finn's adventure is not just about running; it's about cultural immersion and personal growth. He shares the challenges and triumphs of living in a small Kenyan town, the friendships he forms, and the lessons he learns about perseverance and community. This inspiring story will captivate anyone interested in sports, travel, and the human spirit.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
enjoyable 4.00

Running with the Kenyans is an enjoyable read for running enthusiasts, offering insights into Kenyan running culture and personal growth. The book is praised for its engaging narrative and practical takeaways, though it doesn't provide a clear formula for success.

Running with the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn is a captivating account of a journalist's journey to Kenya to uncover the secrets behind the country's running dominance. The book is a quick and enjoyable read, filled with vivid descriptions of races and training runs that any running enthusiast will appreciate. Finn's narrative is engaging, though it jumps around a bit, which might be jarring at first. The book draws clear parallels to similar works like Out of Thin Air, offering insights into Kenyan society and running culture. While it doesn't provide a straightforward formula for success, it contains valuable nuggets of wisdom that can help runners think about their own training and approach to the sport. The book emphasizes the importance of an active childhood, the benefits of trail running, and the need to focus on consistency and enjoyment rather than micromanaging every detail of a training plan.

Quick quotes

    The book was a joy to read.

    To build your aerobic house, to have enough of an endurance base to run long distances, takes about ten years.

    It’s not all about the training plan.

The Running Dutchman · 2024-03-26
inspiring 4.50

The book offers a unique blend of personal narrative and cultural insight, making it a compelling read for both runners and those interested in Kenyan culture.

This book is a heartfelt journey that goes beyond the typical running memoir. The author's decision to immerse himself in the Kenyan running community provides a rich tapestry of experiences and insights. The narrative is engaging and the cultural details are fascinating, offering a glimpse into the lives of some of the world's most talented runners. It's not just about running; it's about the people, their culture, and their way of life. The book is both inspiring and enlightening, making it a must-read for anyone curious about the secrets behind Kenyan running success.

Quick quotes

    Adharanand Finn decided there is only one way to find out; by training with them.

    In his book Running with the Kenyans he unravels their secret.

    The book is essentially the story of how Finn, a guy about my own age, decides to move with his family to the town of Iten, Kenya for six months to train and ...

runningwithrock.com · Unknown · 2022-06-06
fascinating 4.50

Running with the Kenyans is a fascinating adventure that explores the secrets behind the Kenyans' running success. The book is engaging, humorous, and full of emotion, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in running or personal growth. The reviewer found it more enjoyable than The Great Gatsby, highlighting its depth and adventure.

Running with the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn is an engaging and humorous account of the author's journey to Kenya to train with the world's best runners. The book delves into the secrets of the Kenyans' success, revealing that their drive and determination are key factors. The reviewer found the book to be a fascinating and emotional read, filled with adventure and personal growth. Unlike The Great Gatsby, which the reviewer found less engaging, Running with the Kenyans stands out for its depth and compelling narrative. The reviewer highly recommends it to anyone interested in running or personal achievement.

Quick quotes

    The will to succeed not only motivates Kenyans to become athletes, it helps them when they are racing, too.

    It’s the same drive that Adhananrand Finn had to leave England behind for six months and to go running with the Kenyans.

    The next book I picked up when I finished Running with the Kenyans was The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I know I can’t compare both books. Running with the Kenyans is an adventure book, The Great Gatsby is a portrait from the roaring twenties, with its big parties, alcohol abuse and meaningless conversations. Yet, if you ask me which book I would reread, it’s definitely Finn’s book. More humour, more adventure, more emotion, more depth.

trainingarunner.com · Unknown · 2015-01-18
inspiring 4.00

Running with the Kenyans offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Kenyan distance runners, blending personal anecdotes with cultural insights. The book is both inspiring and thought-provoking, though some may find the narrative slightly disjointed.

Running with the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn is a compelling exploration of the training and lifestyle of elite Kenyan runners. Finn immerses himself in the community, providing a unique perspective on what makes these athletes so successful. The book is filled with personal stories and cultural insights that make it both inspiring and educational. However, the narrative can sometimes feel a bit scattered, jumping between different themes and anecdotes without a clear structure. Despite this, the book offers valuable lessons for runners and non-runners alike, highlighting the importance of community, dedication, and a deep connection to the sport.

Quick quotes

    The Kenyans' success is not just about talent or hard work, but also about their way of life.

    Finn's journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about understanding the Kenyan running phenomenon.

    The book is a testament to the power of community and the pursuit of excellence.

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