Tinderet is abuzz with anticipation as the region prepares to host the upcoming Barng’etuny Mountain Run, an event that promises to blend sport, culture, tourism and education into a three-day celebration of the area’s natural beauty and community spirit.
The mountain run is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 17, but activities begin earlier as part of a broader programme designed to showcase Tinderet as a premier adventure and cultural destination.
According to Peter Sang, the chairman of the local organising committee, the days leading to the race will offer visitors and residents a rare opportunity to experience what he described as a “magical Kenya adventure” across the area’s scenic terrain.
Sang said the build-up to the main race will start on Thursday, January 15, with a Magical Kenya Adventures experience to be held at Lion’s Hills Farm.
He explained that the activity is meant to highlight the unique landscapes of Tinderet, from its rolling hills to its lush natural environment, while promoting ecotourism and outdoor recreation.
Sang noted that the organisers deliberately designed the programme to go beyond athletics. He said the event is about telling the Tinderet story through sport, culture and opportunity for young people. “This is not just a run. It is a celebration of who we are as a people and what this land offers,” he said.
The celebrations will continue on Friday with the Tapteng’elei Cultural Festival, also to be held at Lion’s Hills Farm. The festival is expected to bring together local communities to showcase traditional music, dance, cuisine and cultural practices, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience ahead of the mountain run.
Education will also take centre stage during the Friday programme. He revealed that 100 scholarships will be issued at Tinderet Technical Training College to beneficiaries who will be joining Utalii College and Bandari Maritime Academy.
He said the scholarships are aimed at empowering young people from the area by opening doors to professional training in tourism and maritime studies, sectors seen as key to national and regional development.
After the scholarship issuance, activities will move to Kapsoen Primary School grounds, where final engagements and community interactions will be held as anticipation builds toward the main race day.
The Tenderet Barng’etuny Mountain Run is expected to attract national attention, with several senior government officials and leaders confirming their attendance.
Among those expected to grace the event are Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Tinderet Member of Parliament Julius Melly and Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei.
Organisers believe the presence of top national and county leaders underscores the importance of the event not only as a sporting competition but also as a platform for promoting tourism, nurturing talent and driving socio-economic development in Tinderet and the wider Nandi region.
As the countdown to Saturday begins, residents and visitors alike are looking forward to an event filled with adventure, culture and inspiration, culminating in the challenging and scenic Barng’etuny Mountain Run.
By Sammy Mwibanda
