Kenya will be looking to host international mountain-running events in the near future.
Athletics Kenya mountain running coordinator, Peter Angwenyi says 2021 will a busy year as they look to take the sport to the next level.
"After the first event in Nandi, we will be moving next to Meru for the Mt Kenya leg. We are also looking to assess more routes and host an international mountain running event," Angwenyi said.
Angwenyi said mountain running can attract a lot of international runners and market Kenya as a tourism destination.
"What we have seen is that people are thirsty for competition. They want to be entertained. With more sponsors on board, we can attract runners from all over the world and market the various routes as tourism destinations," he said.
He was speaking in the aftermath of the AK Mountain Running Championship in Nandi on Sunday. In the senior men's 10km, Josphat Kiprotich timed 47:47 to cut the tape ahead of Frederick Domongole (47:51) and Hillary Maiyo (47:71) in second and third respectively.
Elgeyo Marakwet's Edith Jepchumba was the winner of the women seniors, timing 1:01.06 ahead of the Nandi pair of Zenah Jeptoo and Monica Jeruto who clocked 1:01.12 and 1:02.02 in second and third respectively.
In the men's junior category, Amos Kipkurui from Nakuru clinched first in 28:06 ahead of another Nandi pair of Nicholas Kiprop (28:30) and Bernard Kipchirchir (29:08).
Nandi's Valentine Jebet clocked 32:12 to win the women's junior category as Eileen Chepkoech (32:27) and Faith Chepchirchir (35:49) finished second and third respectively.
In his assessment of the event, Angwenyi described it as a success and the perfect tempo for a busy year.
"The route was challenging but despite that the runners were pumped up. The attendance was good especially after the festive season and was very competitive," he said.
