Some 5,000 people are expected to take part in the 6th Mt Kenya Ultra Marathon and the first Mountain to Mountain run in Kenya on September 28.
The 100km race will start at the Narumoru Park Gate on the slopes of Mt Kenya and end at the Engare Park Gate on the Aberdare ranges.
The events are a collaboration of Nyeri county government and Urban Swaras Running Club.
County Trade and Tourism executive Diana Kendi on Wednesday said the event will be an opportunity to raise environmental awareness and the importance of preserving Mt Kenya and the Aberdares, two of the country's five major water towers.
The race is also expected to attract tourists and promote local business, Kendi said.
The Urban Swaras Running Club is one of the largest recreational running groups in Kenya with over 250 members drawn from all walks of life. Running enthusiasts from across the world also take part.
Club chairman Ndung’u Kahihu said, “The collaboration with the county government is a logical next step in the effort to increase interest in running for health and fun and at the same time highlight some of the tourist features and sites that make Nyeri unique among other counties in Kenya”.
Another aspect of the event is the sensitisation of the public about non- communicable diseases now common in the county.
Club member Nderitu Wachira said the Mountain to Mountain race will lead to the introduction of competitive mountain running in Kenya.
