Timothy Kibet of Elgeyo Marakwet continued his impressive transition from road racing to mountain running, clinching victory in the men’s 11.54 km race at the Mount Longonot Trail Challenge in Naivasha on Saturday.
Kibet crossed the finish line in first place, edging out Saoli Selelo, who finished second, while Ephantus Njeri took third in a fiercely contested race.
Reflecting on his shift from road running to mountain racing, Kibet expressed that the change has been one of the best decisions he’s made in recent years.
The race proved to be a true test of endurance, speed, and mental toughness. Participants faced the daunting challenge of ascending to the summit of Mount Longonot, which stands at 2,776 meters, before making their way back downhill to the finish at the park’s entrance.
Kibet’s race was marked by a dramatic moment when he fell midway through the course. Despite the setback, he found the strength and determination to push forward and eventually regain his position at the front.
This event was part of the World Mountain Running Association’s ranking series, marking a significant step for Kenya, which is working toward hosting the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in the near future.
