Kenya will host her inaugural Mountain Running World Ranking competition after the launch in Nairobi on Monday, with Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei expressing his confidence that it will create room for the development of more talented athletes in the country.
The event will be held at the Longonot Park in Naivasha on Saturday, November 16.
Tuwei, speaking at the event, said “it a pleasure for Kenya to host the event”.“We have Kenyan champions, but going into the future, we want to nurture more athletes in the country,” he said. “Multiple countries were willing to host the mountain marathon, but it’s a pleasure for Kenya to host the event.”
“It’s important because the event will impact the locals from Longonot region,” Tuwei added.
The World Mountain Running Association President, Mr. Tomo Sarf, who is visiting the country for the first time, believes it’s important and the right time for Kenya to host the event.
“My team suggested to me if Kenya can be included in the event calendar and I didn’t hesitate to agree and finally, Kenya will host the mountain running,” he said.
Mr. Tomo believes Kenya is the right country to host the event.
“Kenya has got the best athletes, the region has a great atmosphere to host the event.”
Kenya will be represented with talented athletes, some being world champions like Patrick Mungeno, who was a world champion in year 2022 and 2023.
By Caleb Muoti
