Brothers From the UK Reconnect With Roots Through Running at KATA Thika Retreat

THIKA, Kenya, August 18, 2025 – When Amit and Mitul Pankhania landed in Kenya this August, it was more than a family visit. The brothers, both based in the United Kingdom, had come to see their parents, but they also sought something deeper—a chance to immerse themselves in the heartbeat of Kenyan running.

Their week-long stay at the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) Thika Retreat, founded and directed by long-distance running enthusiast and My Best Runs publisher Bob Anderson, blended cultural reconnection with athletic discovery. It all culminated in their participation in the retreat’s monthly time trials, a hallmark of KATA’s training culture that attracts both local and international athletes.

A Shared Passion for Running

Though both hold demanding professional careers in the UK, Amit and Mitul share a love for fitness and recreational running. For them, the sport is about more than paces and splits—it’s about discipline, resilience, and connection.

“Kenya has always been close to our hearts,” Amit said after completing the time trial. “This time, instead of just visiting family, we wanted to experience what makes Kenyan athletes the best in the world. Staying at KATA Thika gave us that chance.”

“It was inspiring to see the level of dedication here. Athletes wake up early, train hard, and push each other in ways you don’t often see back in the UK. Being part of that environment, even briefly, was eye-opening.”

Training the Kenyan Way

For seven days, the brothers lived like KATA athletes. Mornings began with runs along Thika’s rolling hills, afternoons were spent on drills and strength work, and evenings turned into conversations about races, goals, and sacrifices.

“They didn’t come just as guests—they trained with us, ate with us, and encouraged everyone,” said Coach John, who leads training at the Thika Retreat. “That kind of interaction is important. Our athletes see how running connects people across continents.”

The Monthly Time Trials

The highlight of their visit came on Wednesday, August 13, at the retreat’s 5K and 10K time trials. On Thika’s undulating roads, the brothers lined up alongside dozens of local athletes, from young up-and-comers to seasoned competitors.

They weren’t there to chase podiums but to soak in the atmosphere. With nerves giving way to rhythm, Amit and Mitul pushed through the course, greeted at the finish line with cheers and applause.

“The time trial was unforgettable,” Amit said. “It wasn’t about beating anyone—it was about being part of something bigger, a tradition that has shaped champions.”

Family, Roots, and Identity

Beyond training, the trip carried a personal weight. Visiting their parents in Kenya has always been a return to family roots. But staying at KATA Thika Retreat gave the journey new meaning.

“We grew up hearing about Kenyan running legends,” Mitul explained. “Being here, training in the same environment, made us proud of our heritage. Kenya isn’t just where our parents live—it’s a place of inspiration.”

Their parents, who visited the retreat one evening, were moved to see how athletics had deepened their sons’ connection to Kenya. It was a bridge across generations and cultures.

A Global Running Village

For Christopher Muiruri, who manages KATA Thika Retreat, stories like Amit and Mitul’s reflect its mission.

“When runners from abroad come here, it’s not just about training—it’s about learning, sharing, and inspiring,” he said. “The Pankhania brothers brought incredible enthusiasm, and they left with memories that will last a lifetime.”

Indeed, their journey underscored how running transcends borders. Whether on the streets of London or the roads of Thika, the sport continues to connect people in powerful ways.

Looking Ahead

As they return to the UK, Amit and Mitul carry more than memories. They take with them the rhythm of early-morning runs, the camaraderie of shared meals, and the spirit of Kenyan running that has inspired athletes worldwide.

“We’ll be back,” Amit promised. “And next time, we’ll bring friends to share this magic.”

Mitul added with a smile, “Running brought us closer to our heritage on this trip. That’s something you can’t put a price on.”

For KATA Thika Retreat, the visit was a reminder that athletics isn’t only about producing champions—it’s about building bridges. And for the Pankhania brothers, it was a journey that blended family, fitness, and the enduring heartbeat of Kenyan running.

posted Monday August 18th
by Robert Kibet