NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Athletics Kenya (AK) have unveiled an ambitious initiative to position Kenya as a leading destination for both sports and adventure tourism.
The newly launched “Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series” will kick off with the Barngetuny Mountain Run in Nandi County on 18th January 2025.
Speaking at the launch event in Nairobi, John Ololtua, the Principal Secretary for Tourism, emphasized Kenya’s potential to attract international visitors by tapping into the growing niche of mountain and trail running.
“Known as the home of world-class athletes, Kenya has the unique opportunity to leverage its running legacy to promote adventure tourism,” Ololtua said. “This series aligns with our broader strategy to position Kenya as a multi-experience destination, and we are confident that it will become a flagship event, contributing significantly to our tourism economy.”
The event also marked the signing of a strategic partnership between KTB and Athletics Kenya, cementing their collaboration to boost Kenya’s reputation as a prime destination for sports and adventure tourism.
Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei expressed his enthusiasm for the new series, noting that the mountain runs would serve as both a training ground for Kenyan athletes and a means of attracting global attention to the sport.
“We are excited about this partnership, which will help develop athletes who can compete in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships,” Tuwei said. “We’ve already won over 20 medals at the global level, and we hope to use the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run as a selection event for athletes representing Kenya on the world stage.”
The six-event series will take runners through Kenya’s spectacular and diverse landscapes, including the Barng’etuny Mountain Run, the Nyamira Great Run Edition in May, the Mt. Kenya Mountain Run Edition in June, Aberdare’s Trail Run Edition in August, the Mt. Longonot Edition in November, and the Elgon Run in December.
KTB CEO June Chepkemei highlighted the significance of the partnership with Athletics Kenya, noting it marks a significant step in diversifying the country’s tourism offerings.
“This initiative will tap into the growing global demand for sports tourism, attracting both international sports enthusiasts and domestic visitors,” Chepkemei said. “Kenya’s stunning landscapes, from majestic mountains to pristine trails, offer the perfect backdrop for adventure tourism, and this partnership will help us showcase our natural beauty to the world.”
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders from Kenya’s running, hiking, and tourism sectors, all of whom are eager to support the new series.
The initiative is part of the Kenya Adventure Tourism Club, a collaboration that brings together public and private sector entities to promote Kenya as a world-class destination for adventure tourism.
MP Melly, the patron of the Barngetuny Mountain Run, also weighed in, highlighting the socio-economic benefits the event will bring to local communities.
“The Barng’etuny Mountain Run offers a platform to celebrate Kenya’s rich heritage while empowering local communities through sports and tourism,” Melly said. “It’s a chance to showcase the unique beauty of the Rift Valley and foster economic growth.”
The “Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series” is set to attract global attention and bolster Kenya’s standing as a premier destination for both sports and adventure tourism.
The newly launched “Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series” will kick off with the Barngetuny Mountain Run in Nandi County on 18th January 2025.
Speaking at the launch event in Nairobi, John Ololtua, the Principal Secretary for Tourism, emphasized Kenya’s potential to attract international visitors by tapping into the growing niche of mountain and trail running.
“Known as the home of world-class athletes, Kenya has the unique opportunity to leverage its running legacy to promote adventure tourism,” Ololtua said. “This series aligns with our broader strategy to position Kenya as a multi-experience destination, and we are confident that it will become a flagship event, contributing significantly to our tourism economy.”
The event also marked the signing of a strategic partnership between KTB and Athletics Kenya, cementing their collaboration to boost Kenya’s reputation as a prime destination for sports and adventure tourism.
Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei expressed his enthusiasm for the new series, noting that the mountain runs would serve as both a training ground for Kenyan athletes and a means of attracting global attention to the sport.
“We are excited about this partnership, which will help develop athletes who can compete in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships,” Tuwei said. “We’ve already won over 20 medals at the global level, and we hope to use the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run as a selection event for athletes representing Kenya on the world stage.”
The six-event series will take runners through Kenya’s spectacular and diverse landscapes, including the Barng’etuny Mountain Run, the Nyamira Great Run Edition in May, the Mt. Kenya Mountain Run Edition in June, Aberdare’s Trail Run Edition in August, the Mt. Longonot Edition in November, and the Elgon Run in December.
KTB CEO June Chepkemei highlighted the significance of the partnership with Athletics Kenya, noting it marks a significant step in diversifying the country’s tourism offerings.
“This initiative will tap into the growing global demand for sports tourism, attracting both international sports enthusiasts and domestic visitors,” Chepkemei said. “Kenya’s stunning landscapes, from majestic mountains to pristine trails, offer the perfect backdrop for adventure tourism, and this partnership will help us showcase our natural beauty to the world.”
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders from Kenya’s running, hiking, and tourism sectors, all of whom are eager to support the new series.
The initiative is part of the Kenya Adventure Tourism Club, a collaboration that brings together public and private sector entities to promote Kenya as a world-class destination for adventure tourism.
MP Melly, the patron of the Barngetuny Mountain Run, also weighed in, highlighting the socio-economic benefits the event will bring to local communities.
“The Barng’etuny Mountain Run offers a platform to celebrate Kenya’s rich heritage while empowering local communities through sports and tourism,” Melly said. “It’s a chance to showcase the unique beauty of the Rift Valley and foster economic growth.”
The “Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series” is set to attract global attention and bolster Kenya’s standing as a premier destination for both sports and adventure tourism.
