What to Bring

Packing for Kenya

Kenya in late June can be sunny and overcast, with the first of the annual rainy seasons having just passed. The climate is dry and temperatures could reach around 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit), so please pack for hot weather during the day, and cool weather (sweaters at night).

Mandatory Items for the Race:

Camelbak with a minimum capacity of 1.5 liters
Practice running with this on your back well in advance
Your preferred snacks and energy bars, energy drinks
It is best to bring the same you have used in training
Your own electric torch
Rain-Jacket (The weather & temperature can change suddenly, and there tend to be thunderstorms this time of year.)
Your own compass
A whistle
Bandages in case of blisters or injury.
We will provide you will the following which you also must be on your person at all times during the race: Emergency Blanket, a course map & profile, race number.

NOTE: If you do not have the aforementioned items with you in Kenya, you will not be able to compete in the race.

Good to Bring:

Sun protection (SPF 20+)
Bandages
Hat and sunglasses (Kenya has big sky!)
Compression socks
2 pairs of running shoes
in case of blisters during the race, you can keep a second pair at an aid station

IMPORTANT: Please see our Health & Safety Notice for a other relevant information.

Other Items:

Warm clothes are recommended for cool evenings.
Lockable luggage is recommended for the storage of valuables.
Books or magazines for down-time.

Currency:

The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling.
Participants may change any currency at Nairobi airport.
At the lodge, money exchange will not be possible so it is important to bring cash with you.
We recommend that participants bring the Kshillings equivalent of $100 cash with them for their week in Kenya. You should need only petty cash for wine/beer that will be on sale, extra excursions, tips for local guides, and small, handy-craft purchases. Traditional beaded jewelry and crafts made by local Maasai women will be available, and to purchase these serves as another way to support the local economy.
When you return to Nanyuki and/or Nairobi at the end of the week, you will easily be able to withdraw additional funds from the ATM.
KShillings are preferable to USD, which gets a very poor exchange rate.

Meals:

Breakfast will be a standard western breakfast and will give you the energy you need for the day.
Lunch and dinner will be great carbo-loading for runners with pasta, rice, chapatis coupled with mild vegetable sauces or curries.
The only beverage included for meals is tea, coffee and water (all other drinks will be purchased by participants individually).

Special Dietary Requirements

If you are a vegetarian or have special food allergies, please indicate this on your online registration form. Vegetarians can be catered for with vegetable dishes but as always, if you have any out of the ordinary requirements, we recommend that you bring protein bars or bean products to augment your diet and supply complete nutrition.