The 2024 World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) World Cup champion Patrick Kipng’eno is among the athletes who have confirmed participation in the Longonot Trail Challenge set for November 16 in Naivasha.
Athletics Kenya (AK) Mountain Running Committee Secretary and event’s chief executive officer, John Kimetto, said they expect over 1, 000 elite athletes and fun runners to grace the event, which is the only World Mountain Running ranked race in the country.
The event will be organised by Athletics Kenya in partnership with Run2gether.
Kipng’eno retained the men’s title at the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup.
He will lead Kenya’s charge but will face stiff opposition from Philemon Kiriago, who placed third at the World Cup which concluded in Italy two weeks ago.
Other top athletes expected are Josephat Kiprotich, Paul Machoka and Richard Atuya who finished in the top 10 during the World Cup circuit.
Kimetto said winners will receive Sh200,000, second-placed Sh100,000 and third-placed runners Sh75,000.
He said the top 10 athletes will also receive cash awards.
The registration fee is Sh500 for locals but foreigners will pay a registration fee of Sh7, 000 which includes the entry fee to Longonot National Park.
The registration is being done at Run2gether Longonot Camp, Naivasha subcounty sports office, and Longonot Park Gate.
The event will cover 11.5 km, which includes 750 metres up and downhill routes at the picturesque Longonot.
The women’s World Cup runner-up Joyce Njeru and Jeruto Kisang, who finished third will lead the charge.
Njeru lost the World Cup title to Britain’s Scot Adkins.
Gloria Chebet who finished seventh is also expected in Naivasha.
Kimeto said: “We expect a huge event. We expect several international runners because this event is now on the World Mountain Running Association calendar following an application by Athletics Kenya. We are looking for sponsors to partner with to make the event a huge success.”
He added: “Mountain running has grown in popularity and Kenya has continued to dominate the event across the World.”
The event, alongside the Nandi Barng’etuny Mountain Running
race in Nandi County, will be used
to select a team to represent Kenya at next year’s World Mountain
Running Championships in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain.