In the misty highlands of Kuresoi, nestled at a staggering 2,700 meters above sea level, an elite training camp quietly hums with the sounds of determination — rhythmic footfalls, laboured breaths, and the occasional cheer of encouragement.
Along reddish-brown murram trails, sandwiched between dense trees of the Mau Forest, young athletes glide through the early morning fog. This is no ordinary running camp. It is the dream and daily labour of Edwin Cheruiyot Soi, one of Kenya’s most decorated long-distance runners, now turned mentor, marathoner, and coach.
Soi, known for his Olympic bronze medal in the 5000m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a glittering career on the track, hasn’t slowed down. While many of his peers have moved on from competition, Soi remains actively racing marathons, coaching, and living side by side with a rising generation of athletes.
“I have run for long, from World Championships and World Indoors to the Olympics,” Soi says after a long training session. “With all that experience, I saw it wise to share my expertise — not just with young athletes, but with anyone willing to train with discipline.”
Still Racing, Still Leading
Every morning, Soi joins his athletes in their rigorous routines. From tempo runs along the forested trails to fartlek and speedwork sessions, he leads by example.
“My athletes don’t just see me as a coach — I run beside them,” he says. “They learn from how I train, rest, and carry myself. That’s leadership by presence.”
For the athletes, it’s not only inspirational — it’s transformational.
Margaret Ndirangu, a promising athlete from Central Kenya, beams with gratitude:
“I have nothing more than joy. Being at Soi’s camp is more than home to me. We eat well, sleep well, and train well. Running alongside an Olympian like Edwin Soi is a huge motivation.”
Gilbert Kenduiywo, a full marathon runner, agrees:
“I thank Soi because he has brought us from where we were, courtesy of Bob Anderson. Running involves dedication, and it is through this that we now have a place to live, eat, and train. I also thank Bob Anderson for the noble idea. Engaging in farming as an income-generating activity after training means a lot to us.”
Kuresoi: Nature’s Perfect Stadium
The rugged beauty of Kuresoi is more than just scenery; it's a natural high-performance lab. The red-earth trails, the crisp mountain air, and the altitude of 2,700 meters form the ideal foundation for endurance athletes.
“Our routes weave through Mau Forest,” Soi says, pointing to a distant hill where runners disappear into the mist. “These aren’t just trails. They’re tests of character.”
The KATA Vision: Running with Purpose
Soi’s training camp is backed by the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA), founded by Bob Anderson, the visionary behind Runner’s World magazine. But what makes this camp stand out isn’t just the training — it’s the fusion of sport and sustainability.
With support from KATA, Soi and his athletes engage in agricultural projects, most notably the Potato Project. When they’re not clocking miles, runners plant, harvest, and manage farming plots — gaining not only a source of income but vital life skills.
“No one else had thought of supporting athletes this way — giving them both a place to grow athletically and financially,” says Soi. “Bob’s idea came at the perfect time.”
Athletes echo this gratitude.
Edmond Rono, a distance runner from Sotik, shares:
“I used to train in Sotik, but after joining Soi's camp—supported by KATA—I’ve experienced a complete transformation. We stay comfortably and enjoy everything from training, meals, to accommodation. My future now looks bright.”
Isaiah Kipkurui, a road runner, adds:
“The support from KATA through Edwin Soi has meant a lot to us as athletes. Since joining the camp, we’ve seen remarkable improvement in our performance and lifestyle.”
Cheptoo, a 3000m specialist with a personal best of 9:30, also credits the camp for her progress:
“Coming from Sotik and joining Soi’s camp has been a turning point. Accessing proper meals and accommodation as an athlete is a great opportunity. I’m now preparing for the upcoming cross-country races this month.”
And Winny Chebet, a determined 10,000m runner, shares:
“The opportunity given to me through Soi’s camp, supported by KATA, has made me optimistic. I believe my future is bright, and I will be able to hit my running targets.”
Running Clean, Running Proud
While training and farming form the physical and economic backbone of the camp, discipline and integrity shape its soul. Soi is fiercely committed to clean sport — a principle he insists every athlete lives by.
“My athletes know I’m strict,” he says. “There’s no shortcut in this sport. I do not support doping, and I never will. If you want to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you must do it right.”
In a time when Kenyan athletics has been shaken by doping scandals, Soi’s stance is both timely and bold. His camp stands as a model of ethical training, and his leadership provides athletes with more than a place to train — it gives them a moral compass.
Beyond the Finish Line
Soi knows his racing clock is ticking. Though still active in marathons, he estimates he has two or three years left of elite racing. But that doesn’t worry him. His eyes are fixed on the future — one that includes hundreds of young athletes inspired and supported through his camp.
“I’m not just training runners,” he says. “I’m building people. Strong, disciplined people who will take Kenyan running to the next level.”
He acknowledges the crucial role of Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Sports in establishing youth training camps nationwide. “Their efforts align perfectly with our vision here,” he says. “We’re all working toward the same goal — to empower youth through athletics.”
A Legacy Written in Footsteps
As the sun rises over the Mau Forest and the last runner finishes the morning loop, Soi jogs back toward camp with his group, his figure still strong, still focused. Around him are the dreams of others — a living tribute to his journey.
He’s a man who knows the podium. But today, Soi’s greatest pride isn’t in medals or titles. It’s in the smiles, strength, and discipline of those who now run beside him.
“Running gave me everything,” he says. “Now, I give back — through sweat, through sacrifice, and through the soil we farm together.”
In Kuresoi, the second wind of Edwin Soi is not a comeback — it’s a new beginning, and it’s lifting others with every stride.