From the Maasai Lands to Iten, Kenya: The Incredible Journey of Solomon Kimaren

Solomon Kimaren is a student-athlete who came to attend Kenya Camp—a distance running camp based in the world-renowned high-altitude training town of Iten, Kenya—one and a half years ago. Under the coaching of Hugo van den Broek, Kenya Camp’s Founder and Head Coach, Solomon developed his raw talent into competitive racing ability. That journey has now earned him a full scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University, where he will begin his studies in August 2025.

In this intimate interview, Solomon opens up about his life growing up in a remote Maasai village in Narok County, Kenya—his encounters with wild animals, his dream of running, and how he’s breaking barriers for his community. What follows is his story in his own words.

Growing Up Maasai: A Life of Tradition and Survival

Back home, we focused more on livestock—cows, sheep, goats. Education was there, but not like in Iten. Schools were far apart, and running wasn’t something people did for sport.

Solomon Kimaren Student-athlete

Solomon was born and raised in the Maasai community deep in rural Kenya, surrounded by wildlife and tradition. His childhood was defined by long walks to school, harsh weather, and frequent encounters with wild animals. Sometimes, lions and elephants blocked the roads.

He recalls walking 4 kilometers each way to his primary school and 6 kilometers to high school—without lunch and often barefoot.

We didn’t have proper clothes. If it rained, you just got wet. No shoes. No food sometimes. If you’re lucky, there was leftover ugali or milk from the cows.”

Encounters with Wildlife — And a Lion Attack

I still have the scar on my face. A lion scratched me while I was trying to rescue my friend. He didn’t survive.

Life in the bush meant regular run-ins with wild animals—cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, and lions. Solomon lost a friend in a lion attack, and he himself bears physical scars from one. Despite the danger, scaring away wild animals was part of his routine as a young herder. They used drums, teamwork, and sheer bravery.

Running in Leather School Shoes

I saw a race on TV. People were winning money. I thought, maybe I can run too. But I didn’t have training. I used my school shoes—those black leather ones.

Solomon’s first steps into running were solo. In Nairobi, he trained alone, on hard fields, in shoes meant for school uniforms. Other runners laughed at him, but he didn’t care.

One guy told me, ‘You’d be better off running barefoot than in those.’ I didn’t even know what running shoes were. Despite the setbacks, he kept pushing. Eventually, his cousin Moses connected him to coach Hugo van den Broek at Kenya Camp.

Arrival in Iten: A Dream Begins

When Solomon arrived in Iten, he didn’t know what to expect. I thought I was just coming to run. I didn’t even know about scholarships. Then I heard about guys going to America and thought—wait, that’s possible?

His progress was fast. Within months, he clocked 8:50 in the 3,000 meters. By the end of the year, he brought it down to 8:14—enough to secure a U.S. athletic scholarship.

Inspiring a Community Back Home

“Now, back home, everyone wants to run. My relatives—five or six cousins—are starting. They see me going to America and believe it’s possible.”

For a long time, running wasn’t understood or accepted in Solomon’s village. It was seen as strange or even shameful. But that’s changed. He’s now a local hero, and his scholarship has shifted perceptions. He plans to return one day and start a camp for young runners.

“I want to inspire kids. Open a camp. Show them they can run and study too. It’s not just for the rich or the city kids.”

What’s Next: America, Computer Science, and the Olympics

Solomon will study computer science at Middle Tennessee State University. But he hasn’t forgotten his dream: to one day compete at the Olympic Games.

That’s why I’ll use this chance to study. But while I’m strong—I’ll run with everything I’ve got.

 The Spirit of Iten, Kenya

Solomon’s story is more than just about running. It’s a story of transformation—of how a boy from a remote Maasai village overcame danger, poverty, and doubt to find his stride in Iten, Kenya.

This is what Kenya Camp and Iten are all about: unlocking human potential, one stride at a time.