Kenya: Over 2,000 Runners Warm-Up for Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Ahead of October 25 Race

What the report says

More than 2,000 runners took part in a warm-up event at Parklands Sports Club in Nairobi on Sunday as preparations continued for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. Victor Kiplagat won the men’s 21km race in 1:10:10, while Millicent Kemunto claimed the women’s title in 1:22:46. The build-up race also included 6km, 10km, 15km and 21km distances, giving participants a chance to gauge fitness ahead of the main event.

According to Capital FM, which was republished by AllAfrica, the full marathon is scheduled for October 25 along the Southern Bypass, with Uhuru Gardens set to host both the start and finish. Organisers say the 2026 edition will be the 23rd running of the event and is expected to draw more than 30,000 participants across seven categories, including the full marathon, half marathon, wheelchair race, family fun run and corporate challenges.

The report says the Nairobi race has grown since its launch in 2003 and has attracted more than 345,000 participants over the years. It also carries World Athletics Road Race Label status, which generally signals that an event meets international standards on course measurement, timing, medical support and related race operations.

Organisers said the marathon will also include sustainability and community projects, including a target of planting 50,000 tree seedlings in Nairobi County and support for the Standard Chartered Foundation’s youth programmes. The Parklands run was described as the second in a series of warm-up activities before the main race.