- 15,000+ runners registered so far highest in the marathon’s history.
- Full, half, 10km & 4km races available. Only 4km fun run slots left.
- New start line: Uhuru Park, route covers Nairobi Expressway.
- Global runners from 75 countries, alongside top elite athletes.
- Theme: “I Love Nairobi Run the City You Love”, promoting pride & climate awareness.
- Ksh 24M prize pool, with Ksh 3.5M for marathon champs.
- Traffic alerts in place; public urged to plan travel early.
Nairobi, Kenya – With just days to go, the fourth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon is already smashing its records. More than 15,000 runners have signed up, making it the biggest turnout since the event debuted in 2022, and organisers expect the number to hit 16,000 by Thursday. Only a few slots remain for the 4km fun run.
Race Director Kennedy Tanui says the rising numbers reflect the growing love for the city marathon. “Every year it gets bigger. This time we’ve jumped from 13,000 to over 15,000 proof that this event is becoming a favourite,” he noted, adding that the scenic route and unique experience have played a big role.
Of the total registered runners, 13,379 are Kenyan, but the marathon has drawn participants from 75 countries, including China, India, and the United Kingdom, placing Nairobi firmly on the global racing map.
This year’s race promises exciting action, with top athletes like Edward Cheserek, Paul Lonyangata, Sandrafelis Chebet, and Philomena Cheyech expected to compete. Categories include the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km road race, and 4km fun run.
Due to ongoing renovations at Nyayo Stadium, this year’s marathon will begin at Uhuru Park. The route will primarily use the Nairobi Expressway, which will be closed from James Gichuru to JKIA starting Saturday at 10 p.m. to Sunday at 3 p.m. Motorists should also expect interruptions around Waiyaki Way, Museum Hill, and Mombasa Road intersections.
Athletics Kenya President Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei says the vision is to make Nairobi’s race one of Africa’s best. “This city is becoming a magnet for runners worldwide. We encourage locals to turn out in large numbers and support,” he said.
This year’s message, “I Love Nairobi – Run the City You Love”, aims to build urban pride while pushing for a cleaner, greener city. Organisations like UNEP, SEI, CIFOR-ICRAF, and Roam are backing climate-friendly mobility and tracking real-time air quality on race day.
Anderson Kehbila from SEI Africa confirmed their involvement: “We’ll be monitoring air conditions to make sure the race supports global sustainability goals.”
There’s more than just glory at the finish line. The total prize pool stands at Ksh 24 million, with the marathon winners each pocketing Ksh 3.5 million.
Caroline Jerop, spokesperson for the National Police Service, has advised city residents to expect disruptions and plan their movements early to avoid delays during the race.
