“The overall memory will never fade – the tour was one of the best experiences of my life. It was just great from beginning to end!”
Doug Steedman, Asics Aggie running club (Northern California)
January 2010 Tour
“I cannot express adequately how amazing the experience was – it exceeded all my lofty expectations. That’s a tremendous accomplishment, especially since it was the inaugural tour; I really think you’ve started a good thing! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the time of my life. Not only did I have an awesome time meeting new people, seeing the sights, and learning some New Zealand history (both running related and not), but it got me excited about my own running and upcoming season. I feel this year is going to be a bigtime jump for me and you and the staff deserve a lot of the credit for uping my confidence and base! Again, know that all the hard work is much appreciatted!
Chris Dietrick, DePauw University
January 2010 Tour
“Steve, I just wanted to say thanks a lot for everything the last two weeks, I had a great experience! Unfortunately I never really had a chance to thank you at the end of the trip as I didn’t see you the last day, so I guess this e-mail will have to suffice. Regardless, I just wanted to express how grateful I am to have had such an experience and I wanted to at least marginally articulate how thankful I am. Hopefully I will have an opportunity to travel back to New Zealand at some point (whether it be on my own or with another kiwirun tour).”
Zach Harner, Columbus Acadamy High School
January 2010 Tour
“Thanks for the amazing time in New Zealand!!!! It definitely helped me get into better shape.”
Molly Lohry, Iowa State University
January 2010 Tour
“Without a doubt the opportunity to experience a piece of the New Zealand running culture is something that any serious runner or coach would enjoy. I have been fortunate to visit New Zealand a few times and connect with numerous wonderful people in our sport who live there. The combination of culture, history, scenery, training grounds and the simple overall experience of visiting New Zealand itself is something I guarantee any serious running fan would enjoy.”
Mark Misch – Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
“New Zealand is a magnificent and beautiful country as far as the eye can see. I was welcomed with warm smiles and great conversation everywhere I went. The rich running tradition was evident as I witnessed on numerous occasions men and women of all ages running in towns and throughout the countryside. The people and families I encountered were more than willing to share their country and the culture with me. Further, I was amazed how only a short drive could offer me so much in terms of scenery and running environments. In my opinion, the Willis family and their friends were just the right people to show me New Zealand’s running scene; and, I have no doubt that they will be able to offer you the same, if not better, experience. Prepare to have fun and be blown away by the amazing views, great runs, and unlimited education about the tradition and sport of running.
Rob Myers – 3 x US team world championship representative and 3 x US indoor 1500m champion.
