KTB and Athletics Kenya have also signed a partnership to promote Kenya as a leading sports and adventure destination
In a ground-breaking move to position Kenya as a global sports and adventure destination, KTB and Athletics Kenya have launched the ‘Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series’. The series will kick off with the Barngetuny Mountain Run in Nandi County on January 18. This initiative aims to attract tourists, promote local economies, and showcase Kenya’s unique landscapes.
In a press statement, KTB says that the series will include six other events, namely Nyamira Great Run in May, Mount Kenya in June, Aberdare in August, Mt. Longonot in November, and Elgon in December.
It adds that KTB and Athletics Kenya have also signed a partnership to promote Kenya as a leading sports and adventure destination.
KTB says the collaboration marks a key milestone in diversifying Kenya’s tourism and tapping into sports tourism. The ‘Mountain & Trail Series’ will attract both international and domestic sports enthusiasts.
It adds that Tinderet MP Julius Melly, patron of the Barngetuny Mountain Run, emphasised the event’s role in celebrating Kenya’s heritage, empowering communities, and promoting the Rift Valley. The launch brought together key partners from the running community, tourism, and adventure sectors. The Trail Series is part of the Kenya Adventure Tourism Club, which aims to promote Kenya as a world-class adventure destination.
The statement adds Kenya, can attract more tourists through the mountain and trail series, which also provides opportunities for youth talent development and supports local economies.
“This Magical Kenya Mountain and trail Series align with our broader strategy of positioning Kenya as a multi-experience destination, catering to diverse interests and preferences. 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,” says John Ololtua, Principal Secretary, Tourism.
“We are glad to partner on this trail series which runs across various mountain trails and counties. We can use this mountain runs and trails to train our athletes to compete in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championship while also positioning Kenya to host one of the events in the global series. We already have over 20 medals in the championships and will use the Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run to select the athletes who will represent Kenya in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships,” says Jackson Tuwei, President, Athletics Kenya.
“Kenya is endowed with breathtaking landscapes, from majestic mountains to pristine trails, which provide the perfect backdrop for adventure and sports. By partnering with Athletics Kenya and launching this Mountain and trail series we aim to leverage our international stature as a sports giant to market our destination as well as attract more tourists to Kenya,” says June Chepkemei, Chief Executive Officer, KTB.
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