Kennedy Tanui of Athletics Kenya guides athletes through this year's 21 km race course during the launch in Nairobi./HANDOUT



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Longonot-based Run2gether training camp has named a strong 13-member squad for the fifth edition of the Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run National Championship, set for Saturday in Nandi County.

Coach Geoffrey Gikuni on Wednesday unveiled the team, which includes reigning World Mountain and Trail Running champion Philemon Kiriago, silver medallists Richard Atuya and Ruth Gitonga, and bronze medallist Patrick Kipng’eno. Kipng’eno, a two-time World Mountain and Trail Running champion, won the inaugural Barng’etuny Mountain Run.

Also in the squad are Meru University champion Michael Saoli, experienced runner Philaries Kisang, Luc Wangari, Elijah Kamau, Elijah Kariuki, Robert Yegon, Collins Kiplangat, Joseph Kamau, and Mariam Chepkirui.

“I have a strong squad for the race and I am confident they will do well,” said Gikuni.

Kiriago will be chasing his first home victory in the 21km senior men’s race, which is expected to be highly competitive following the entry of top local and international mountain runners.

The women’s race is also expected to be fiercely contested, with defending champion Janet Chepng’etich seeking to retain her title against strong rivals, including Valentine Jepkoech, who finished fifth last year. Jepkoech said the extended course will provide a tougher challenge.

“Last year I finished fifth, but this time I am aiming for first place. The extended course is demanding and will attract international athletes eager to challenge Kenyan runners,” said Jepkoech, who encouraged mountain runners, trail runners and hikers to take part.

However, two-time world champion Joyce Njeru will miss the race.

“I am not ready to compete because I started training recently after a long season,” she told The Star.

The Barng’etuny Mountain Run will serve as Kenya’s selection race for the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, scheduled to take place at Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

The event is part of the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series.

More than 3,000 runners are expected to compete, with over 10,000 spectators anticipated.

Tinderet MP Julius Yelly, the founder and patron of the race, said the series promotes economic growth, celebrates local heritage, and positions the Rift Valley as a hub for cultural, sporting and adventure tourism.