Athletics Kenya's Barnaba Korir (L), Kennedy Tanui and Paul Mutwii receive s dummy cheque from the National bank of Kenya's Bernadette Ngara/ HANDOUT The fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon, set for June 7, has attracted a record 17,000 participants from 75 countries.
The event will feature four categories — the marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km races.
The flagship 42km race will be flagged off at 6.45am, followed by the half marathon at 9am. The 10km race will start at 10am before the 5km race concludes the programme at 11am.
Race director Barnaba Korir confirmed that all slots were filled within just three weeks after registration opened.
“In three weeks the registration was completely full. The numbers have gone to levels we did not envisage,” said Korir.
“This year, we have surpassed every record set before. We have 17,000 registered runners and registration is now closed. Our focus is on organising a successful event.”
Korir highlighted the steady growth of the marathon since its launch in 2021.
“When we started, we had 10,000 runners, which was remarkable at the time. Then we grew to 13,000, then 15,000. Each year the positive impact has been overwhelming,” he added.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) first vice-president also revealed a strong elite field expected to headline this year’s race.
“This year the Nairobi City Marathon has assembled an elite cast of marathoners who will take your breath away,” he said.
Among the top names is Jonathan Korir, who boasts a personal best of 2:04:32. Korir heads into the race fresh from his third-place finish at the Barcelona Marathon on March 15, where he clocked 2:05:27 behind Uganda’s Abel Chelangat (2:04:46) and Patrick Mosin (2:04:59).
The men’s 42km race will also feature John Langat, runner-up at the 2025 Montreal Marathon.
In the half marathon, attention will focus on Felix Masai, the 2025 Loop Den Haag runner-up, who is expected to lead a highly competitive field.
Korir also confirmed that athletes from 75 nations will participate, underlining the event’s growing international appeal.
Countries expected to be represented include Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, the United States, Japan and South Africa, among others.
This year’s race will also introduce a key logistical adjustment, with City Hall Way designated as the new starting point for all categories.
However, the finish line will remain at Uhuru Park.
“This year our finish is the same as last year at Uhuru Park because the area is wide enough to accommodate warm-ups, cool-downs and entertainment activities,” technical liaison George Kariuki said.
“We have a slight change this year. All races will start from City Hall Way, which is an iconic location for Nairobi residents.”
The prize money structure remains unchanged, with a total purse of Sh24 million up for grabs across all categories.
Winners of the full marathon in both the men’s and women’s races will receive Sh3.5 million each. Second and third-place finishers will earn Sh2.25 million and Sh1.5 million respectively.
Half marathon winners will pocket Sh150,000, while second and third-place finishers will receive Sh80,000 and Sh50,000.
In the 10km race, podium finishers will earn Sh100,000, Sh60,000 and Sh40,000 respectively.
This year’s edition has also received a Sh5 million sponsorship boost from National Bank of Kenya.
“We have walked this journey with Athletics Kenya since inception. We have invested in this event for a while and are pleased with its growth,” said Bernadette Ngara, National Bank of Kenya board member for marketing, digital and corporate communications.
Korir said the marathon’s long-term vision is to cement Nairobi’s place on the global marathon map.
“This is a marathon that belongs to Nairobi. Five years ago, we dared to dream of a marathon that would put Nairobi on the global running stage,” he said.
He also unveiled this year’s theme, “Feel the Pulse of Nairobi”, describing it as a reflection of the race’s identity and connection with the city.
“Today, that dream is a reality. The Nairobi City Marathon has become a trademark of this city,” Korir said.
“This year’s theme captures it perfectly — ‘Feel the Pulse of Nairobi’. That is what this marathon is about; it is the heartbeat of the city.”
