Runners during the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon/ HANDOUTMore than 30,000 runners are expected to hit the tarmac at Nairobi’s Southern Bypass on October 25 for this year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
The event has been elevated to a World Athletics Road Race Label event.
The 2026 edition will feature the 42km Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 21km Wheelchair Race, 10km Race, CEO Challenge and the 5km Family Fun Run. Organisers have introduced several enhancements to improve athlete safety, welfare and the overall race-day experience as they seek to position the event among Africa’s leading road races.
The upgrades include 20 strategically placed hydration stations, roaming bicycle medics for faster emergency response, dedicated muscle relief stations, enhanced recovery services and downloadable digital finisher certificates.
The Local Organising Committee said the improvements are designed to strengthen athlete safety while ensuring the race meets international standards.
The marathon will also strengthen its environmental programme, with every finisher set to receive a tree seedling as organisers target the planting of 50,000 trees in partnership with Nairobi City County.
The sustainability drive will also feature waste segregation and recycling, reduced use of single-use plastics, responsible sourcing and impact measurement. LOC chairman David Mwindi said the focus was on improving every aspect of the participants’ experience.
“This year, our focus is on raising the quality of the runner experience while strengthening the safety and sustainability standards behind the race. From medical response and hydration to recovery and environmental responsibility, every enhancement is intended to give participants a well-organised, world-class marathon experience,” said Mwindi.
Organisers will conduct warm-up runs across the country in the coming weeks to help participants prepare for the October showdown. Athletics Kenya president Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei said the World Athletics Road Race Label had enhanced the marathon’s international standing.
“The World Athletics Road Race Label affirms the organisers’ commitment to excellence and international race standards. It provides athletes with a recognised competitive platform and reinforces Kenya’s position as a global leader in distance running,” said Tuwei.
Benard Chepkwony is the defending men’s champion after winning last year’s race in 2:11:01. Alex Saekwo was second in 2:11:26, with Ezekiel Kemboi third in 2:11:40. Hellen Chepkorir won the women’s race in 2:27:17 ahead of Naomi Tuei (2:27:37) and Scholastica Jepkemboi (2:29:18).
