Running with the Kenyans

by Adharanand Finn
Running with the Kenyans cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 5560
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
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.

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.

runblogger.com · Unknown · 2012-06-18
brilliant 4.50

Running With the Kenyans is a well-written and engaging book that explores the lives and training of elite Kenyan runners. The author, Adharanand Finn, moves to Iten, Kenya, to train and live among these athletes, uncovering the factors that contribute to their success. The book is part travelogue, part running book, and offers a unique glimpse into the culture and personalities of these remarkable runners.

Running With the Kenyans is a book that I had been looking forward to reading for quite some time. The author, Adharanand Finn, decides to move with his family to the town of Iten, Kenya, for six months to train and live among the best distance runners in the world. His motivations are many: to experience an adventure with his family, to take another crack at improving his running performance by training with the best, and to see if he could uncover some of the 'secrets' that make the Kenyan runners so darned good at what they do. The book is part travelogue, part running book, and offers a unique glimpse into the lives and personalities of the athletes that win most of the major distance races around the world. One of the things I enjoyed most about the book is that it gives a glimpse into the lives and personalities of the athletes that win most of the major distance races around the world. Included among the cast of characters are several runners who will be competing in the London Olympics in just over a month – it's hard to read this book and not want to take a trip to Kenya to see these amazing individuals run the Thursday fartlek in Iten!

Quick quotes

    In the West we put children in shoes before they can walk. What are we teaching them? We’re teaching them the ground is dangerous, that they need to be protected from it. But Kenyan children can feel the ground, so they have a better relationship with it. They learn to place their foot carefully when they run, so they don’t hurt themselves. They learn to land gently, lightly, gliding over the earth rather than pounding it.

    It’s interesting to note that the runners here still get injured despite their barefoot upbringing, but the types of injuries they get are different. ‘I don’t see many impact injuries,’ the physiotherapist at Lornah’s camp tells me one day. These are common injuries in the West and are usually the most serious and debilitating; things like runner’s knee, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. In my time in Kenya I haven’t met a single athlete suffering from any of these problems. If someone is injured, it is always something less serious, such as a tight hamstring or a pulled calf. Or a cut leg.

    Running With the Kenyan’s is full of interesting passages like this one, and if you find these topics interesting you will really enjoy this book. It’s near the top among running books that I have read, and I highly recommend that you pick up a copy.

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