Athletics Kenya has asked top mountain runners to honour the upcoming Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series on January 18 in Nandi County.
Speaking Tuesday, AK Mountain Running coordinator Peter Angwenyi said the annual Barng’etuny Mountain Run will be used to select a provisional team for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships to be held in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain, between September 25 and 28, 2025.
“The first two athletes to cross the finishing line in the senior men and women races during the event will be in our provisional team for the world championships.
We intend to field two teams for the classic and up-down races,” Angwenyi said.
He said the rest of the athletes will be picked according to the world rankings.
“We expect a huge turnout of elite and upcoming athletes in Tinderet,” Angwenyi said.
Patrick Kipng’eno and Josephat Kiprotich are ranked top in the men’s category while Joyce Njeru and Philaries Kipsang lead the women’s category.
Angwenyi said they have maintained last year’s course but altered the finishing line.
“We have only changed the finishing area to allow spectators to watch the athletes as they race to the finishing line as well as a good view of Lake Victoria,” Angwenyi said.
AK officials visited Tinderet on Monday and certified the course.
The federation has partnered with the Kenya Tourism Board and Angwenyi believes it will popularise the discipline in addition to Kenya’s tourist destination.
Tinderet Julius Melly, the Barngetuny Mountain Run patron, said: “The event is not only a platform to celebrate Kenya’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes but also an opportunity to empower our communities through sports and tourism.”
“This event will bring people together, foster economic growth and showcase the unique beauty of the Rift Valley to the world. We invite everyone to participate in this exciting event, explore our rich heritage and witness the beauty that makes our region a true gem,” he said.
After Tinderet, the series will
head to Nyamira in May, Mt Kenya
in June, Aberdares in August, Mt Longonot in November and culminate in Mt Elgon in December.
