By Shadrack Nyakoe
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Athletics Kenya (AK) have unveiled the “Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series,” a series of six mountain and trail running events aimed at promoting Kenya as a premier destination for sports and adventure tourism.
The series will kick off with the Barng’etuny Mountain Run on January 18, 2025, in Nandi County, followed by events in Nyamira, Mt. Kenya, Aberdares, Mt. Longonot, and Mt. Elgon throughout the year.
Speaking at the launch, Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua highlighted Kenya’s potential to attract adventure-seeking tourists while offering opportunities for local youth to nurture their talents. “This series aligns with our strategy of positioning Kenya as a multi-experience destination, catering to diverse interests and preferences,” he said.
KTB and AK also signed a partnership to collaborate on promoting Kenya as a global sports and adventure hub. Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei expressed hopes that the trail series would strengthen Kenya’s dominance in world athletics while creating a platform to select athletes for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. “We can use these mountain runs and trails to train our athletes and also position Kenya to host one of the global events,” he noted.
KTB CEO June Chepkemei called the initiative a “game changer” for Kenya’s tourism industry, tapping into the lucrative global sports tourism market. “Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, from majestic mountains to pristine trails, offer the perfect backdrop for adventure and sports,” she said.
The event also featured support from Tinderet MP Julius Melly, the patron of the Barng’etuny Mountain Run, who emphasized its potential to foster economic growth and promote Kenya’s Rift Valley region. “This event will bring people together, foster economic growth, and showcase the unique beauty of the Rift Valley to the world,” Melly stated.
The launch drew participation from runners, hikers, tourism stakeholders, and adventure enthusiasts. The series is part of the broader Kenya Adventure Tourism Club initiative, which aims to position Kenya as a world-class adventure destination by fostering public-private sector collaboration.