“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.
‘This is great! It’s like my black and white writing in technicolor!’ Dick Traum, author, A Victory for Humanity. Founder Achilles International.
‘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 him 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, Kericho, Kenya.
“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.
“Your writing is amazing. You are a born storyteller. Your ability to bring the reader into your life by recalling such details of the journey is impeccable. The innate process of mental note taking has paid off- as your story is both entertaining and inspirational. Your own personal story is a natural page turner. You lay out the foundation perfectly- then have the ability to engage the reader. Running with Destiny is on par with Frank McCourt’s “Angeles Ashes.” Andy Kelley Harding.
‘Marathoner Beats Odds. His luck didn’t run out.’ Wayne Coffey, New York Daily News.
‘Runner Toby Tanser wanted to do a good thing. It nearly cost him his life.’ Barbara Hoffman, New York Post.
“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 Story Teller.
“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. It’s a simple as a decision, followed through by action.” The Xtraordinary.com
“Staring down at the forest of legs that have made it to the starting line, he cannot believe that a shoe can be so worn out that it loses its original shape and color. For his Nike shoes are crowded by a tribe of shoes that has no name, no specific color, no shape…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.
“If you dropped out of school and ran away from home at the age of sixteen with $100, well here’s the guidebook on how to proceed to help change the world.” B. Williams
“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.
“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.’
“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.
“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 commend you for Shoe4Africa’s efforts to fight poverty. I also want to thank you for incorporating HIV/AIDS education into your program.” President Bill Clinton.
“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
“Another classic from the author of Train Hard, Win Easy. That book, in Kenya, is the runner’s bible!” E. Tanui
“SHOE4AFRICA has become a powerful agent for change.” NTV (Kenyan National Television).
“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, multiple world record holder, 1st sub 8-minute steeplechaser in history.
“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, Hon. Wesley Korir.
“You are making a fine contribution to the development of sport in Africa.” Sir Roger Bannister.
“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, who ran her first senior competition, in 2005 at a Shoe4Africa development race.
“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.
"Unlike the other rail-thin mzungo'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.
