Africa-Press – Kenya. Organisers of the annual Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run have revamped the race course in a move aimed at aligning the event with international mountain running standards.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) secretary Peter Sang confirmed on Sunday that the senior men’s and women’s races have been extended to 21 kilometres, up from the traditional 14km distance.
The revised course will start and finish at the same venue. The 2026 edition, scheduled for January 17 at Lions Hill Farm in Tinderet, Nandi County, will also introduce several new race categories as organisers seek to grow the event’s profile and competitive depth.
Registration for the race has already opened. “Previously, we had a 14km classic race. However, we have decided to upgrade to a 21km up-and-down course to meet international standards,” Sang said.
In another first, the organisers have introduced a 4km junior race for under-20 athletes, a move Sang says is intended to nurture the next generation of mountain runners.
Sang, who served as team manager for Kenya at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain, said the decision was influenced by performances witnessed at the global event.
“During the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, Uganda dominated the junior races. In future events, we want to challenge them,” he said.
The programme will also feature a 500m race for boys and girls aged 5–7 years, as well as a 1km race for children aged 8–12 years. Organisers expect more than 2,000 athletes to take part. “Online registration for the senior and junior races has already started.
With the introduction of the junior categories, we expect the numbers to rise. Preparations for the race are in top gear,” Sang added.
He noted that technical officials from Athletics Kenya are expected to design the final course on Monday. World Mountain and Trail Running champion Philemon Kiriago has already confirmed his participation in the race.
Athletics Kenya Mountain Running coordinator Peter Angwenyi commended the organisers—led by race patron and Tinderet MP Julius Melly—for their consistency in staging the event.
“This is the fifth edition of the race. The Tinderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run is now the most popular mountain race in the country and has become a household name in mountain running,” Angwenyi said.
He added that the event has, over the years, attracted top mountain runners and played a key role in identifying and nurturing emerging talent.
