Selello, Chepng’etich retain titles at Barngetuny Mountain Run

Michael Selello and Janet Chepngetich retained their titles at the 2026 Barngetuny Mountain Run in Tinderet, Nandi County, as over 200 athletes lined up for the grueling endurance challenge.

Selello clocked 1 hour 20 minutes, while Chepngetich finished in 1 hour 46 minutes, successfully defending their crowns in a competition that attracted more than 200 local and international athletes and was extended to 21 kilometres from 14 kilometres last year.

Chepngetich admitted the longer course demanded a change in strategy.

“It was not easy. When I saw the course had been extended, I had to adjust my tactics. I thank God I managed to win,” she said.

Selello, who outpaced a strong field of over 200 runners, says his focus now shifts to the international mountain running circuit.

“I came prepared. I ran 14 kilometres last year, so when the organisers announced the extension, it did not surprise me. The longer course actually worked in my favour,” Selello said.

The fifth edition of the mountain run drew over 200 athletes and was graced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, and Athletics Kenya President General Jackson Tuwei, alongside other leaders from the region.

Event founder Erick Barngetuny reaffirmed his commitment to hosting the annual race on the 17-acre family land, saying it was the dream of his late father, Ezekiel Barngetuny, to use sport as a platform for community empowerment and tourism promotion.

The event marked the culmination of the Magical Kenya Trail Series organised by the Kenya Tourism Board. On the eve of the race, participants and guests experienced Nandi culture and traditional practices during the Taptengelei Cultural Festival.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei praised the initiative, noting that cultural and sports tourism play a key role in positioning Kenya as a leading global tourism destination.

Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei says the board is determined to surpass the five-million tourist arrivals target by 2027, citing the rapid growth of sports tourism.

The trail series now heads to Magharibi Trails, with the next leg taking the adventure to Western Kenya and Nyanza in March.