KTB to partner with athletics training camps to boost sports tourism

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) will partner with athletics training camp owners across the country to promote their facilities to international athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Speaking at an awards luncheon for the winners of the inaugural Kapsabet Half Marathon, KTB CEO Ms. June Chepkemei said Kenya's rising status as an athletics powerhouse continues to attract international athletes to train alongside Kenyans, adding that KTB will continue to position the country as a home of champions.

 "We have witnessed a number of international visitors getting to scout for talents in athletics by enrolling for training either for physical health or competition purposes.

“This presents an opportunity for us to seize and make Kenya a premier training destination in athletics," said Chepkemei.

The CEO challenged camp owners, particularly in the Rift Valley region as well as parts of Central and Ukambani that boast numerous facilities, to upgrade their camps to meet international standards in order to enhance the experience for trainees.

Chepkemei further noted that with Kenya's reputation for producing excellent marathoners, KTB aims to collaborate with organizers of the country's major annual marathons, like the Standard Chartered Marathon and Eldoret City Marathon, among others, to attract international participants.

"As a destination known for its marathoners, we have a great opportunity to work with partners in pitching some of our marathons to enlist international participants from across the globe as we cement our position as a home of champions,” she added.

She mentioned that sports and tourism make a perfect combination and emphasized that KTB will develop packages that highlight attractions near regions hosting internationally renowned sporting events.

The high-altitude training camps scattered across the Rift Valley regions have long served as incubators for Kenyan running talent. y

Renowned training camps such as Iten, Kaptagat, and Kapsabet have attracted athletes from both local and international scenes, with interested runners eager to learn and tap into the secrets of Kenyan success in the sport.

The combination of high elevation, motivation of training groups, and guidance of experienced coaches has consistently molded world-beaters. Many top marathoners and Olympians over the years have honed their craft at these remote camps where a culture of excellence and communal support propels them to push their limits.

At the same time, Chepkemei lauded the organizers of the Kapsabet Half Marathon, which was held for the first time this year, attracting over 1,000 participants. She noted that introducing more events like the Kapsabet race provides opportunities to tap into and nurture young talents for the sustainability of the sport.

"As KTB, we want to encourage more up-and-coming races across the country that can also serve as talent search forums for budding athletes.

“Our destination has a lot to offer not just to the elite runners but also passionate joggers looking to test themselves," said Chepkemei.