Tinderet Mountain Run Signals Kenya’s Growing Sports Tourism

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 17 January 2026 - The fifth edition of the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run has steadily evolved from a local endurance contest into a strategic sports development platform, underscoring how athletics can be leveraged to advance tourism, talent nurturing and community cohesion.

Held in the rugged yet picturesque hills of Tinderet in Nandi County, this year’s race attracted national attention, with Head of Public Service Felix Koskei among the dignitaries who turned up to affirm growing government interest in mountain running as both a competitive and developmental sport.

At the heart of the event was the demanding 20-kilometre race, open to both men and women, which pushed athletes across steep gradients and unforgiving terrain.

The course was not merely a test of speed but of resilience, tactical awareness and altitude adaptation—key attributes in a discipline that has become increasingly competitive on the global stage.

For Kenya, a nation historically dominant on the track and road, mountain running represents both an opportunity and a challenge as it seeks to improve its global standing in this specialised athletics category.

What continues to distinguish the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run is its deliberate inclusivity.

In accommodating participants ranging from children as young as five to veterans in their seventies, the event reflects a broader policy shift towards sports-for-all.

This approach aligns with the government’s stated commitment to grassroots sports development, recognising that long-term athletic excellence is anchored in early exposure, sustained participation and community ownership rather than elite performance alone.

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Beyond competition, the race is increasingly significant as a talent identification and trial platform. Coaches and selectors view such events as valuable in assessing athletes who may transition to international mountain running championships, where endurance, strength and adaptability trump raw speed.

As mountain running gains prominence worldwide, Kenya’s consistent presence in such forums is critical if it is to remain relevant and competitive beyond its traditional strongholds.

The economic and tourism implications were equally evident. By drawing athletes, families and spectators into Tinderet, the event injected activity into the local economy while showcasing Nandi County as a high-altitude endurance sports destination. This positioning complements the county’s rich athletics heritage and supports national efforts to diversify sports tourism beyond established hubs.

The official flag-off by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, alongside Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, Deputy Governor Dr Yulita Mitei, Tinderet MP and event patron Julius Melly, Chesumei MP Paul Biego, Aldai MP Maryanne Keitany, Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund Chairman Sammy Chepkwony and other leaders, reinforced the collaborative framework underpinning the race.

Their presence symbolised the convergence of national and county governments, local leadership and communities in using sport as a tool for development.

As the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run continues to grow in stature, it is increasingly clear that its value lies not only in crowning winners but in shaping a sustainable ecosystem where sport drives unity, opportunity and national pride.