More than 2,000 athletes are expected to take part in this year’s Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run when the event unfolds on Saturday, signalling growing interest in the country’s expanding mountain running circuit.
Athletics Kenya (AK) competition director Kennedy Tanui said the response ahead of the race has been overwhelming, with registrations steadily rising since entries opened.
“We are fully prepared for this year’s event. Registration is still ongoing through our social media platforms, and so far we have close to 2,000 athletes who have signed up,” Tanui said during the official launch of the race on Monday.
The 2026 edition introduces a tougher challenge for elite runners, with the senior race distance extended to 20 kilometres from last year’s 14km, a move expected to push athletes’ endurance and tactical abilities.
“In addition to the senior 20km race, we will have an Under-20 category over 8km and also races for children,” Tanui explained.
At stake is a substantial prize purse, with the winner of the senior race set to walk away with Sh500,000. Second and third-place finishers will earn Sh200,000 and Sh100,000 respectively, adding further incentive to an already competitive field.
The race has grown in stature since last year’s thrilling contest, where Alfred Cheruiyot clinched the men’s title in 1:09:04, narrowly edging Ken Koros and Richard Atuya in a closely fought finish. In the women’s race, Janeth Chepng’etich dominated to win in 1:23:18 ahead of Mercy Chemutai and Miriam Chepkirui.
Tanui confirmed that all key preparations are on schedule, noting that the course has been fully marked and only final logistical arrangements remain.
“The route is ready. We are now finalising arrangements such as VIP tents and other supporting infrastructure,” he said.
With a packed athletics calendar ahead, Tanui urged athletes to use the Tinderet race as an early-season benchmark.
“This is an important opportunity to start the 2026 season. We encourage athletes to register and take part because the year ahead is very busy,” he added.
One of the headline acts will be reigning World Mountain Running uphill and downhill champion Philemon Kiriago, who arrives in Tinderet brimming with confidence following his triumph at the World Mountain Running and Trail Championships in the Pyrenees, Spain.
Kiriago clocked 1:02:30 to secure the ascent-and-descent title, finishing ahead of Uganda’s Martin Kiprotich and fellow Kenyan Paul Machoka.
“I am very prepared and ready to fight for the title on Saturday,” Kiriago said.
The 23-year-old, who trains at the Run2gether camp, said his build-up to the race has been deliberate and focused.
“After the World Championships, I came back home and shifted my training towards the Tinderet race. Everything has gone well and I am ready to attack the course,” he noted.
Kiriago described the event as an ideal platform to launch his 2026 campaign and praised organisers for steadily elevating the race’s profile.
“This is the first race of the year for me and I want to perform well. The organisers have done a great job in making this a major event,” he said.
“As athletes, we are ready to give our best and help make Tinderet a national mountain race of the future.”
