Police announce temporary road closures for Nairobi marathon

Participants during last year's Standard Chartered Marathon.

The National Police Service has announced a series of temporary road closures and traffic diversions in Nairobi to facilitate the 2025 Standard Chartered Marathon scheduled for Sunday, October 26.

In a public notice issued on Saturday, police said the measures will take effect from midnight on Saturday, October 25, and remain in force until 2pm on Sunday.

The affected route includes the Nairobi Southern Bypass, which will be closed to motorists from the Ole Sereni Interchange to Kikuyu Town for the duration of the marathon.

To ease movement, police have provided alternative routes for motorists.

Those travelling from Mombasa Road towards Kikuyu will be diverted through Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way.

Drivers from Dagoretti South to Kikuyu are advised to use Dagoretti Road.

Motorists moving between Lang’ata and Dagoretti South should use Lang’ata Road through Karen.

In a statement, the National Police Service said it was working closely with other government agencies to ensure safety and minimal disruption.

“We are working collaboratively with relevant agencies to ensure a smooth traffic flow and a successful event,” the statement read.

The service further appealed to drivers to cooperate with traffic officers and follow instructions during the temporary closure.

“All motorists are urged to be patient, strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations, and follow the guidance of officers stationed along the affected routes,” police said.

“Stern action will be taken against anyone found violating traffic rules.”

The Standard Chartered Marathon is one of Kenya’s premier annual sporting events, drawing thousands of runners and spectators from across the country and abroad.

Race Times for the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon

Participants in the 21 km wheelchair race are expected to arrive by 5am, assemble at 5.25am and start the race at 5.45am.

The 42 km Full Marathon will also require runners to arrive by 5am, with assembly scheduled for 5.50am and the start time set for 6am.

For the 21 km Half Marathon, runners should arrive by 6.30am, assemble at 7am and begin the race at 7.20am.

The 10 km Race participants are to arrive at 8am, assemble by 8.40am and start running at 9am.

Lastly, the 5 km race will see participants arrive by 9am, assemble at 9.40am, and begin their race at 10am.