The hills of Nandi have a new monarch, but she is already looking for new territories to conquer. After successfully defending her Tinderet Barng'etuny Mountain Run title with a lung-busting display of endurance, Chepng'etich has signaled her intent to swap the steep slopes for the tartan track.

Sunday’s victory was a masterclass in altitude running. Navigating the treacherous, undulating terrain of Nandi County—the cradle of Kenyan athletics—Chepng'etich crushed the opposition to retain her crown. Yet, in her post-race interview, the celebration was muted, replaced by the steely gaze of an athlete pivoting toward the global stage.

From Slopes to Speed

"The mountain builds your heart, but the track builds your legacy," Chepng'etich told reporters, her breath barely labored despite the grueling ascent. Her strategic shift to track and cross-country is a well-trodden path for Kenyan elites, who often use the raw power developed in hill running to devastating effect in the 5,000m and 10,000m flat races.

This transition is timely. With the World Cross Country Championships on the horizon, Chepng'etich is positioning herself for a call-up to the national team. Her ability to maintain rhythm on broken ground makes her a natural fit for the unpredictable courses of international cross-country.

• The Training Regime: Transitioning requires a mechanical overhaul. She will need to trade the short, choppy strides of hill climbing for the long, flowing gait of track running—a process that demands grueling hours at camps in Kaptagat or Iten.
• The Financial Incentive: While local mountain runs offer decent purses (often in the range of KES 100,000 to KES 500,000), the Diamond League circuit offers millions. It is a professional move as much as a competitive one.

The Nandi Factory

The Tinderet Barng'etuny Mountain Run continues to cement its reputation as a talent incubator. It is not just a race; it is a rite of passage for aspiring champions.

For Chepng'etich, the mountain has been conquered. The question now is whether her legs, forged in the fires of Tinderet, have the speed to burn the world's best on the flat. The clock is ticking, and she is ready to run.