Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series, A New Frontier For Sports And Adventure Tourism

From Nandi To Mt. Kenya, A Year Of Thrills, Talent, And Adventure Awaits All Runners

In a thrilling development for Kenya’s tourism and sports landscape, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Athletics Kenya (AK) have officially launched the Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series. This exciting initiative is set to position Kenya as a premier destination for adventure tourism while showcasing its rich sporting heritage.

The series, which kicks off with the highly anticipated Barngetuny Mountain Run in Nandi County on 18th January 2025, is designed to capture the essence of Kenya’s diverse terrain, offering a unique blend of sport and adventure. Featuring six spectacular events across the country, the series will highlight Kenya’s unparalleled landscapes, attracting both international and domestic visitors eager to explore the country’s scenic trails.

Speaking at the launch, PS for Tourism, John Ololtua, emphasized Kenya’s longstanding reputation as the world’s home of running and the potential of mountain and trail running to tap into new markets. “This series will not only promote Kenya as a sports tourism hub but also empower local communities through increased tourism and talent development,” Ololtua said.

The Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series aligns with Kenya’s broader tourism strategy to diversify its offerings and cater to a wide range of interests. It is expected to attract global visitors and drive economic growth in the regions where the trails take place.

During the launch, KTB and Athletics Kenya entered into a landmark partnership aimed at strengthening Kenya’s standing as a top sports and adventure destination. Athletics Kenya President, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, noting that the series will provide a platform for nurturing local talent while positioning Kenya as a key player in global mountain and trail running events. The Barngetuny Mountain Run will serve as the selection event for Kenyan athletes to represent the country in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.

The series will feature six thrilling events, each set against Kenya’s stunning mountain and trail landscapes:

Barngetuny Mountain Run – January 2025.

Nyamira Great Run Edition – May 2025.

Mt. Kenya Mountain Run Edition – June 2025.

Aberdare’s Trail Run Edition – August 2025.

Mt. Longonot Edition – November 2025.

Elgon Run – December 2025

KTB CEO, June Chepkemei, lauded the collaboration as a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. “Kenya’s breathtaking mountains and trails provide the perfect backdrop for adventure and sports enthusiasts,” Chepkemei said. “This partnership with Athletics Kenya will help us leverage Kenya’s international reputation as a sports giant to attract more tourists.”

The MP for Tinderet, the event’s patron, also highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of the Barngetuny Mountain Run. “This event is more than just a race; it’s an opportunity to empower our local communities through tourism and sports,” he said. The event is expected to draw visitors, foster economic growth, and showcase the beauty of Kenya’s Rift Valley.

The launch event brought together key stakeholders from the sports and tourism sectors, including hikers, trail runners, and local tourism operators, all united in the mission to promote Kenya as a world-class destination for adventure. The series is part of the broader Kenya Adventure Tourism Club initiative, which brings together the public and private sectors, adventure experience owners, and experts from across Kenya’s nine tourism circuits.