As the first light of morning paints the slopes of Barng’etuny Mountain, a river of runners threads its way through tea plantations, forest trails, and rocky ascents, eager to tackle one of Kenya’s most captivating endurance challenges. The Tindiret Barng’etuny Mountain Run is not just a test of stamina; it is a vibrant celebration of heritage, community pride, and economic opportunity.
In the highlands of Nandi County, this event has become a key fixture in the national sporting calendar, where sport and tradition move hand in hand.
The mountain run traces its origins to the vision of local athletics enthusiast Eric Barng’etuny, who sees in the rugged hills around Tindiret a natural stage for a competition that would draw attention to the region’s scenic beauty while creating opportunities for local communities. With the support of the Kenya Tourism Board, Athletics Kenya, and local leaders, his idea has grown into part of the Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series, a calendar of events designed to position Kenya as a leading destination for adventure tourism and endurance sports.
Today, the event attracts elite athletes, amateur runners, and youth hopefuls from across the country, all eager to experience both the physical challenge and the rich cultural environment surrounding the race.
The race is meticulously organised by a Local Organising Committee led by Peter Sang, who oversees logistics, course design, and safety, ensuring the event meets both national and international standards. “We have extended the senior race to 21 kilometres to align with international mountain running norms, and we have introduced junior and children’s categories to nurture future talent,” Sang explains, highlighting the LOC’s dual focus on elite competition and grassroots development.
Athletics Kenya and the Kenya Tourism Board work closely with the organisers to integrate the run into the broader strategy of promoting tourism and adventure sports.
The event also receives political support under the patronage of Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly, who stresses that the run contributes to both social cohesion and economic growth. “This event is not only a celebration of Kenya’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes, but also an opportunity to empower our communities through sports and tourism,” he says. “It brings people together, fosters economic growth, and showcases the unique beauty of the Rift Valley to the world.” County officials echo these sentiments. Scholastica Tuwei, Nandi County Executive for Culture and Sports, notes, “Events like this support youth engagement, healthy lifestyles, and cultural preservation. They show how sport can become a sustainable driver of development in our county.”
The Tindiret Barng’etuny Mountain Run does more than challenge athletes; it immerses participants and spectators in a rich cultural landscape. The Taptengelei Cultural Festival, held the day before the run at Lion’s Hills Farm, brings the Kalenjin community’s music, dance, cuisine, and storytelling into the spotlight.
Elizabeth Cheptarus, a local elder and cultural custodian, explains, “Events like this remind our children who they are. They learn the stories, songs, and dances of our people while seeing the beauty of their home. If we lose our culture, we lose our identity.” Young people embrace the festival with equal enthusiasm.
Daniel Kiptoo, a 19‑year‑old volunteer and local runner, says, “I have grown up running these hills, and today I get to guide other runners and welcome visitors. It makes me proud to see our land and culture celebrated in this way.” Women in the community also benefit economically. Esther Chebet, who sells traditional foods and crafts during the festival, explains, “We sell mursik, indigenous vegetables, and local art. It helps support our families, and visitors enjoy learning about our food and customs.”
The economic impact of the event extends beyond the festival. Hotels, guesthouses, lodges, and transport operators see increased demand, while small-scale traders and local businesses experience a noticeable boost in sales. For many families, the run and festival provide a tangible source of income while reinforcing communal pride.
From a sporting perspective, the Tindiret Barng’etuny Mountain Run has become a breeding ground for mountain running talent.
Last year, top finishers earned selection for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Spain, where Kenyan runners performed strongly.
The event’s growing competitive depth has also drawn elite runners who see Barng’etuny as a key preparatory race in their season.
This year, the run takes place on January 17, 2026, with a 21-kilometre course designed to test endurance, skill, and mental resilience. It will be preceded by the Taptengelei Cultural Festival on January 16, and will be graced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, lending national prominence to the celebration and highlighting the government’s endorsement of initiatives that integrate sport, culture, and community development.
In the quiet moments before the race begins, as athletes stretch, share stories, and survey the hills, the mountain itself seems to hum with anticipation. The slopes of Barng’etuny, steep and undulating, challenge runners physically, but for the community, the event is about far more than the race. It is a celebration of identity, culture, and resilience. It is an affirmation that sport, culture, and community can coexist to strengthen one another.
As runners cross the finish line and spectators cheer from the surrounding valleys, the Tindiret Barng’etuny Mountain Run continues to weave itself into the story of Nandi life. The event is not just a competition but a tradition, where every hill and valley carries the echoes of history, culture, and communal achievement.
In these highlands, endurance is measured not only in kilometres but in heritage, unity, and shared purpose. Here, sport and culture converge, transforming a landscape and the lives of the people who call it home, year after year.
By Sammy Mwibanda
