Toby Tanser

Background

About Toby Tanser

Toby is a visionary leader currently spearheading the construction of Sub-Saharan Africa’s first children’s cancer hospital (152 beds) in Kenya. As the founder of Shoe4Africa, he previously established East & Central Africa’s first public children’s teaching hospital,(200+ beds) and built six government-accredited public schools, providing daily education for approximately children in Kenya. In 2023, he opened a Boys & Girls Club in Iten, Kenya, to create a safe space, particularly for marginalized girls. A best-selling author, with five titles, and contributor to running magazines, columns, and newspapers, Tanser has made significant contributions to the world of athletics/philanthropy. A former professional athlete, Tanser has coached numerous running teams, charity initiatives, & high-profile individuals. For 13 years, he served as Race Director for the Hope & Possibility event in Central Park, a groundbreaking race spotlighting athletes with disabilities. He has directed races worldwide, and was the inaugural head coach for Nike Run Club, NYC. His initiatives include launching a prisoner rehabilitation training program, coaching police cadets, and founding the “Kids Against Obesity” race series, which earned a NYC Mayor’s Proclamation. In 2009, he was nominated Youth Ambassador for the Armory Foundation, and in '01 as the Metropolitan Athletics Congress NY Long Distance chair. In 2010, he brought Prince Harry to one of his events. Tanser co-produced the ‘PUMA Trainaway’ series London, Paris, NYC, and Berlin, featuring celebrities and sports stars. He also co-produced the New York Road Runners (first ever) Audio Guide for the NYC Marathon, featuring prominent media figures. His leadership roles extend to serving on the Advisory Coaches Board for Runner’s World magazine and 15 consecutive years on the Board of Directors for New York Road Runners. He held a Vice President role at Achilles International, after eight years as board director. As a former lecturer for the NYC Marathon, and others, Tanser has shared his expertise on running and event management. He was nominated as a ‘Commit to Fit’ Ambassador for Subway, and also has performed media commentary across TV, radio, and web platforms in America, Europe, and Africa. Tanser has a proven track record in fundraising, global event organization, and nonprofit development across the U.S. and Africa. His dynamic approach continues to drive meaningful change and inspire others to join his mission for a healthier, more equitable world. See Tanser.org for more