By Athletics Kenya
Athletics Kenya (AK) competition director Kennedy Tanui has revealed that over 2,000 participants are expected to feature at Saturday’s Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run.
Speaking during the launch of the race on Monday, January 12, 2026, Tanui revealed that the race has already drawn massive interest, with impressive registration numbers recorded so far.
“We are very ready for this year’s event. Registration is ongoing on our social platforms. We have about 2,000 registered athletes so far,” said Tanui.
This year’s elite race will up the ante, with senior athletes tackling a longer 20km distance from last year’s 14km, raising the stakes and testing endurance to the limit.
“Apart from the senior race, we will also have an Under-20 8km race as well as races for kids,” Tanui explained.
Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run 2026 prize money
A lucrative prize purse awaits the top performers, with the senior race winner set to pocket KSh 500,000, while second and third place will earn Ksh 200,000 and Ksh 100,000 respectively.
Last year’s edition saw Alfred Cheruiyot dominate the men’s 14km race, timing 1:09:04 to edge out Ken Koros (1:09:33) and Richard Atuya (1:09:35) in a tightly contested finish.
In the women’s race, Janeth Chepng’etich reigned supreme, clocking 1:23:18, ahead of Mercy Chemutai (1:26:48) and Miriam Chepkirui (1:28:04), who rounded off the podium.
Tanui assured that preparations are on track, with the course already mapped out as final logistical touches are put in place.
“The course is already marked, and now we are just doing build-up for VIP tents,” he said.
He urged athletes to seize the chance to kick-start their 2026 season early by lining up in Tinderet.
“We have a very busy calendar this year, so we urge all our athletes to ensure they register to participate,” Tanui added.
Is Philemon Kiriago participating in Tinderet Barngetuny Mountain Run?
Reigning World Mountain Running uphill and downhill champion Philemon Kiriago reiterated his readiness to charge for the title on Saturday.
Kiriago arrives in Tinderet with confidence after conquering the world last year at the World Mountain Running and Trail Championships in the Pyrenees, Spain.
He stopped the clock at 1:02:30 to clinch the ascent-and-descent crown.
The Kenyan ace powered clear of Uganda’s Martin Kiprotich, who finished in 1:03:14, and compatriot Paul Machoka, who completed the podium in 1:03:25.
Kiriago made his intentions crystal clear, signalling that he is primed for another statement performance.
“I am very prepared to go for the title on Saturday,” he said.
The 23-year-old, who trains with the Run2gether camp, said his preparation has been meticulous, with no detail left to chance as he sharpens his tools for the demanding Barngetuny course.
“Since I did the Mountain and Trail Running Championships, I came back home and did proper training focusing on the Tinderet race,” he explained.
“My training has gone on well, and I am fully prepared to attack the course,” he added, underlining his readiness.
