Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series launched

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and Athletics Kenya (AK) have launched a series of mountain and trail running events aimed at positioning Kenya as a premier sports and adventure destination.

The series, dubbed the Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series, will kick off with the Barng’etuny Mountain Run in Nandi County, scheduled for 18th January 2025.

Speaking at the launch event in Nairobi, the Permanent Secretary for Tourism, John Ololtua, emphasized Kenya’s reputation as the home of world-class runners and its potential to attract additional tourists through the mountain and trail series. The initiative also provides opportunities for youth to develop their talents while promoting local economies in the regions hosting the trails.

“This Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series aligns with our broader strategy of positioning Kenya as a multi-experience destination, catering to diverse interests and preferences,” Ololtua said. “We are confident that this trail series will become a flagship event, drawing visitors from around the globe and contributing significantly to our tourism economy.”

During the event, KTB and Athletics Kenya signed a partnership agreement to collaborate on promoting Kenya as a premier destination for sports and adventure tourism.

Athletics Kenya President, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei,

Athletics Kenya President, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating:

“We are excited to partner on this trail series, which spans various mountain trails across counties. These events will not only help train our athletes for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships but also position Kenya to host one of the events in the global series. Kenya already boasts over 20 medals in the championships, and we will use the Barng’etuny Mountain Run to select athletes who will represent us on the world stage.”

The Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series will feature five mountain and trail running events across Kenya’s unique landscapes, including the Barng’etuny Mountain Run, Nyamira Great Run Edition in May, Mt. Kenya Mountain Run Edition in June, Aberdare’s Trail Run Edition in August, Mt. Longonot Edition in November and the Elgon run in December.

KTB CEO June Chepkemei highlighted the collaboration as a significant milestone in diversifying Kenya’s tourism offerings and tapping into the lucrative sports tourism market. She described the Mountain & Trail Series as a game-changer for attracting both international sports enthusiasts and domestic tourists.

“Kenya is blessed with breathtaking landscapes, from majestic mountains to pristine trails, offering the perfect backdrop for adventure and sports,” Chepkemei said. “By partnering with Athletics Kenya and launching this Mountain & Trail Series, we aim to leverage Kenya’s international reputation as a sports giant to market our destination and attract more tourists.”

The Member of Parliament for Tinderet, who also serves as the patron of the Barng’etuny Mountain Run, echoed these sentiments:

“The Barng’etuny Mountain Run is not only a platform to celebrate Kenya’s rich heritage and stunning 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 natural wonders that make our region a true gem.”

The Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series is part of the broader Kenya Adventure Tourism Club initiative, which unites public and private sector organizations, adventure experience providers, experts, and suppliers across Kenya’s nine tourism circuits. The club aims to foster collaboration and promote Kenya as a world-class destination for adventure enthusiasts.