“You hear stories of people who are mugged, not with a knife and a machete and a baseball bat, and not even injured very much, and all they’ll tell you is how you should never go back there it’s a dangerous place they’ll never go back. Not only does the guy go back, he takes the thing that they were robbing him for and decides to give them to the community—I mean his brain’s wired differently than most people.” Ali Velshi, NBC.
“An unforgettable story from an unforgettable storyteller. Toby wanted to be an elite runner and seemingly had the talent and motivation. Yet on a trip to Kenya, he almost loses his life, amazingly recovers and goes on to change the lives of tens of thousands of people. When you finish this book, you will feel that every one of us can do more to help our fellow human beings. Truly inspiring!” George Hirsch, Chairman, NYC Marathon.
“I became a member of a team running for a charity called Shoe4Africa. I assume you have never heard of them. I know I hadn’t. Shoe4africa, founded by a former elite runner and a fascinating guy named Toby Tanser, works to improve the lives of impoverished people in Africa. Read Toby’s story and the consequent origin of the charities name. As a teaser, the story involves a machete—as, I assume, all the names of charities do.” Joel Cohen, The Simpson’s Emmy Winning scriptwriter, and author of the wonderful book, How to Lose a Marathon.
“You choose fun stories to tell, then you tell them in an offhand, carefree way. It’s very unusual. You write poetic prose.” Jeff Johnson, NIKE's first employee.
“I commend you for Shoe4Africa’s efforts to fight poverty. I also want to thank you for incorporating HIV/AIDS education into your program.” USA President, Bill Clinton.
“You are making a fine contribution to the development of sport in Africa.” Sir Roger Bannister, first sub four-minute mile.
“I am informed of the sacrifice you made to fund raise to build this facility. On behalf of the Government, I can not thank you enough for your contribution and unwavering support.” The Deputy President of Kenya, Hon. William Sameoi Ruto.
“It is admirable work you are doing embracing the poor and needy of Kenya. Keep it up.” President of Kenya, 1978-2002, Hon. Daniel Arap Moi.
“Thank you Toby Tanser for giving your support to the children of Africa, I can only express my gratitude to you and to all who support you in this life-saving endeavor that is giving our children a better chance of survival. Bless you.” Edna Adan, Former First lady of Somalia, and founder of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital. Author of ‘A Woman of Firsts.’
“We are honoured to work with and help in some small way Shoe4Africa in the amazing and vitally important work that they do.” Paula Radcliffe and Gary Lough.
"This book was just such a treat I really can't recommend it more wholeheartedly." Stacy Creamer, VP Audible.
"God bless you for coming back to Africa to build a hospital for the people who tried to kill you." Priscilla Sitenei, World's Oldest primary school pupil, aged 98-years old.
“SHOE4AFRICA has become a powerful agent for change.” NTV (Kenyan National Television).
“Toby has done a lot more for a lot of people in his life than most folk would even attempt to do in a lifetime.” Liz McColgan, world champion.
"You are doing incredible work." Philip H. Knight (Nike founder).
“I thought Toby’s run was amazing. It has never been done, and he’s not doing it to be the best or to just do something, he is doing it for charity, to help other people.” Sir Mo Farah, four-time Olympic champion.
“Toby was not a white savior who started a charity to Save Africa (and himself). He was not burned out by corporate life, seeking a ‘worthy’ career-choice to save himself from a bankrupted life. No, he was driven by his heart. For two decades, he worked tirelessly without pay to change Africa, to bring jobs, education, and healthcare for others with seemingly little care for himself.” Lorna Chelagat, Kenya.
"Toby is the type of person you meet once and he will change your life forever." Jonathan Cardenas.
“We celebrate Toby because of his natural–born talent, mixed with his compassionate spirit, his courage and determination as a beacon and living example that we can all be extraordinary when we truly believe in something and persistently work at it.” The Xtraordinary.com
“Your writing is amazing. You are a born storyteller. Your own personal story is a natural page turner. Running with Destiny is on par with Frank McCourt’s “Angeles Ashes.” Andy Kelley Harding.
“An adventurer’s story of navigating life with few of the conventional qualities found in other explorers, but with better results for mankind.” Michael Zhan.
“Fun and Intense.” Nelson Farris, Nike’s Chief Storyteller.
"Warning (this book) contains massive inspiration." Rebecca Lyne. Former British 800m Champion.
“Shoe4Africa came into being in the craziest of ways, but its founder has seen it grow to embrace the whole of East Africa.” Nzino Mutune—Daily Metro.
“The next time you go and do some crazy run, tell me, I am coming with you!” Two-time New York City Marathon winner, German Silva.
“I’m supporting Toby and Shoe4Africa so much, because he is doing something from the bottom of his heart. He lifts up others before himself.” Marathon World Record holder, Mary Keitany.
"You are a fantastic storyteller, both in spoken and written words, and your adventures and accomplishments are truly worth shedding light on. Thank you for sharing Toby. An amazing story about an amazing man doing amazing things for a better world." Patrik Verme.
“Another classic from the author of Train Hard, Win Easy. That book, in Kenya, is the runner’s bible!” E. Tanui.
“This is one single man who has come to Kenya and struggled to do the work of a government. Who builds a national hospital and a series of public schools?” Moses Kiptanui, Three-time world champion, 1st sub-8-minute steeplechaser.
“Shoe4Africa initiatives are making a real change to the lives of people across Sub-Saharan Africa,” UK’s African Minister—Hon. Bellingham.
“I will forever support Toby and Shoe4Africa, because I have seen the wonders they’ve achieved.” Abel Kirui, 2x World Marathon Champion.
“(Shoe4Africa) has done a great deal to raise AIDS awareness and inspire thousands of people to follow in the footsteps of their continent’s tremendous distance runners and begin running themselves.” Awareness.com, Kenneth Cole.
“I have not seen any person, or politician in Kenya, do more good than what I have seen what Toby Tanser has done.” Member of Parliament, and Boston Marathon champion, Wesley Korir.
“Unlike the other rail-thin mzungu’s who occasionally come to Kenya to try and train with a group of the world’s best runners, Tanser is not there in search of secrets to help end the medal drought in countries outside of East Africa. Not any more, anyway. He’s there to help a continent.” Duncan Larkin, The Competitor.
“Thank you also for being an inspiration for all of us. You have such a positive outlook and you are so supportive of us back-of-the-pack runners. We appreciate it.” Supreme High Court Judge, Denny Chin.
“This is great! It’s like my black and white writing in technicolor!’ Dr. Dick Traum, author, A Victory for Humanity. Founder of Achilles International.
“For many years, Toby has played a major role in nurturing Kenya’s athletic talents.” General J. Tuwei, President of Athletics Kenya.
“Toby has many other achievements under his belt, but more than anything, he shows us how one person can make a huge difference in the world.” Claire Bartholic, RunnersConnect.com.
“Toby Tanser brings new meaning to 'life adventures' as he shares his incredible up and down experiences, opportunities, and life lessons.” GoBeMore.com
"I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I enjoyed Running With Destiny. Beautifully written, funny, poignant, honest, it has it all! I loved the bit about Carl Thackery. He ran for me in NY. One of my more memorable experiences and believe me I had plenty. Everyone, buy this book. You won't regret it!!" Elite Race Coordinator, New York City Marathon, Anne Roberts.
"An amazing story about an amazing man doing amazing things for a better world." Patrik Verme.
“Toby is one of the running ambassadors of our time.” Tina Muir, runningforreal.com
"Beautifully written and inspirational - A search for and with Destiny.
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2022 Verified Purchase.
A poetically written journey/safari down parallel roads of physical endurance, empowerment, peace, humanitarianism, equality, education, recovery, and more. This is a story of inspiration that not only travels across and through roads and trails scattered about the earth, but those that travel through the heart and mind as well. It’s a story of not only running with destiny, but also in discovering exactly what the authors destiny really is – his purpose, his solitary call. Patrick Duffy Amazon review.
"Toby Tanser did a phenomenal job taking the reader from one story to another. A must read and fantastic book!" Dan Sutich. Amazon review.
"I have just read your book. It is really a fantastic life and impressive actions in Kenya by you." Jan Swenson.
"This is the kind of person humanity needs. From running to building a hospital he just keeps going. The world needs more Toby Tanser’s this is a master class in giving." Africa Yoon. .Amazon review.
"Toby is so unusual in that he lived a simple life, much like the other great humanitarians in history - Gandhi, Mother Theresa, but he is not a saint! His life is full of joy, fun, adventures, and giving. Become inspired to think outside the box for your own life. I know Toby taught me how to do more and be a better person in our world." Nancy Glaser. Amazon review.
"Toby's book is a most interesting story. He is a gifted writer as well as a runner and philanthropist. I purchased 4 copies for my sisters, all with the purpose of helping Toby raise funds for a second children's cancer hospital in Africa." Shirley Ewing.
"Loved the book, it’s an amazing personal journey…. You never give up." Dan Dailey.
"What a great book! Reading its pages you can feel the energy and the enthusiasm of Toby! There is so much to learn here. Very inspiring." Silvia V. Amazon review.
"By the end, this book will leave you asking yourself: if one man can do all this, then what can I do? What difference can I make in the world?" Dr. Stephen Roberts. Amazon review.
"Toby's story epitomizes persistence and determination in the face of adversity. Need inspiration? You'll find it here." Jim Rohrbach, Success Skills Coach.
BOOK VIDEO by Manhattan Neighborhood Network TV LINK
PRE-RELEASE REVIEW
RUNNER'S WORLD Sweden, article by Stockholm Marathon winner, Ingemarie Nilsson. LINK
Nation Africa, articles and sample serialization.
December 22nd 2021 LINK "Writer making change in Africa" December 23rd 2021 LINK
"Anticipation of Kenyan athletics" December 24th LINK "Fortuitously, I stumble upon the greatest distance running group on the globe" December 25th LINK "Preparing for the first race in Kenya" December 26th LINK
"Paula brings cheer to Nandi" December 27th LINK "My neighbours were world champions..." December 28th LINK "Cracking the cranium" December 29th LINK "How can a lifechanging episode take less than ten minutes?"
December 30th LINK "I had to run to save my life" December 31st, LINK "Finally, a children's hospital"
The first library in the world to own a copy of Running With Destiny (thanks Africa) was The Ewa Beach public library in Oahu, Hawaii.
