Worcester Park-based Phil Wicks says the experience of running in Mombasa will inspire him to greater deeds.

Wicks, who celebrated his 22nd birthday during the training camp, followed team instructions to start steadily and work his way through.

The Belgrave Harrier finished as the sixth and final scoring member of the team in 82nd place.

"I have enjoyed the whole experience - both the acclimatisation camp and the race itself," said Wicks.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"It is hard to put into words the amount I have learned. I have had so many new experiences, including being drug-tested for the first time.

"The atmosphere was breathtaking and like nothing I have experienced in the UK."

Wicks was concerned to see runners collapse through heat during the junior women's race after arriving at the course.

"I probably went off too conservatively because I felt good at the finish," said Wicks.

"I didn't really hit a bad patch and felt quite strong.

"The fact all eight of us finished showed we benefited from the camp in Durban.

"The amount of knowledge we have been able to gain from team leader Alan Storey can only be positive for all of us who were there.

"This experience has inspired me to want to push on to the next level and become a regular GB team member."

Former St Mary's University student Steve Vernon was the eighth and final GB finisher in 113th place after struggling with breathing problems.

He said: "Nothing will compare with 100,000 spectators going wild for cross country. If only we could get that in England."

Team leader Storey said: "If those performances don't encourage those in the sport to aspire to improve on the way to challenges like London 2012, I don't know what will."