Running with the Kenyans - in pictures

Revellers at a cross country race in Iten. 'After the running come the speeches – then the marathon really begins' Photograph: Adharanand Finn

The local running shop. 'I'm sitting in the Grand Pri restaurant in Eldoret waiting for the start of the London marathon ...' Photograph: Adharanand Finn

A runner on the Iten track. 'In this part of the world, virtually every second person is a world-class athlete' Photograph: Adharanand Finn

The start of the local district cross country championships. 'Competition is stiff, so getting a good start is vital' Photograph: Adharanand Finn

Barefoot children in the finishing funnel at a cross country race at Salaba Academy in Iten. 'This is not like the school cross country races I remember competing in' Photograph: Adharanand Finn

An early morning run (Adharanand is on the far right). 'A head start is what I need' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

Dawn running in Iten. 'I suddenly feel out of my depth. What am I doing?' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

Adharanand running on the trails around the town. 'There's a fine line between humbling and humiliating' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

'How are you?' Children wave as Adharanand runs by. 'Since I've been in Kenya, I've met lots of athletes who have started schools' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

A local runner. 'It's a motley crew that assembles around the big, red 4x4 in the carpark of the Nest hotel in Ngong ...' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

Runners on the track in Iten. 'For Kenyans, rest is a serious business' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

Adharanand running with the Kenyans. 'To help me prepare for the Lewa marathon, I've managed to find myself a team of top Kenyan runners' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

Collecting water on a long run. 'As a fellow runner, no matter how slow, they offer me only encouragement. It is quite humbling' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

Handing out water. 'The secret is that you think there's a secret' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

Adharanand struggling up a hill. 'I've discovered the true meaning of a hard session' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger

Another day, another run. 'The Fluorspar half marathon is a rite of passage for any runner in Iten' Photograph: Marietta d'Erlanger