Nairobi City Marathon Celebrates Landmark 5th Edition
- May 21
- 3 min read
Record 17,000 runners, a world-class elite field and a sold-out race mark a new chapter for Kenya’s most celebrated city marathon
The Nairobi City Marathon officially launched its 5th Edition at a media event held at Eka Hotel Gardens, Nairobi, on Thursday 21 June 2026. The launch brought together government officials, corporate sponsors, athletics stakeholders and members of the press to celebrate a race that has firmly established itself as a trademark of Nairobi and one of Africa’s premier road-running events.
Addressing the gathering, Competition Director Mr. Barnaba Korir set the tone with a message of pride, ambition and excitement ahead of race day on Sunday, 7 June 2026.
A Trademark of Nairobi
“Five years ago, we dared to dream of a marathon that would put Nairobi on the global running map,” said Mr. Korir. “Today, that dream is a living, breathing reality. The Nairobi City Marathon has become more than just a race - it has become a trademark of this city.”
This year’s event theme - “Feel the Pulse of Nairobi” - reflects the vibrant, dynamic energy of Kenya’s capital, and the growing role the marathon plays in showcasing Nairobi to the world.
Record Participation: Over 17,000 Runners
The 5th Edition has shattered all previous registration records. Past editions attracted close to 10,000, then 13,000 and then 15,000 runners respectively - each edition fuelled by overwhelmingly positive feedback and rising global interest. This year, registrations exceeded 17,000 participants, with the race selling out within days of the announcement opening.
“We sold out within days,” Mr. Korir noted. “That is not just a number - that is a statement. It tells you everything about how much this marathon means to people, and how much the world has taken notice of what we are building here in Nairobi.”
World-Class Elite Field Confirmed
Alongside the record mass-participation field, the 2026 edition will feature a highly competitive elite lineup across both the full marathon and half marathon distances.
42KM - Men’s Elite
• Jonathan Kipleting Korir — Personal Best: 2:04:32
• John Langat — Personal Best: 2:07 (Eindhoven Marathon)
• Simon Kipkosgei — Personal Best: 2:07 (Berlin 2023)
21KM - Men’s Elite
• Felix Kibet Masai — Personal Best: 60:08 (CPC 2026)
• Francis Ewoi — Personal Best: 60:52
21KM - Women’s Elite
• Sharron Cherotich — Personal Best: 68:12 (CPC 2026)
“With personal bests like these on our start list, one thing is absolutely clear: this is not just a city marathon - this is a world-class race. And on June 7th, records may very well fall,” Mr. Korir told the assembled media.
Race Routes & Start/Finish
The 2026 Nairobi City Marathon offers four distances for participants of all levels. The race START is at City Hall, with the FINISH in Uhuru Park - offering ample space for runners, spectators, warm-up, cool-down, refreshments and entertainment. Just like previous years, all races run on the Nairobi Expressway, offering runners a breathtaking vantage point above the city between the CBD and Nairobi National Park.
Partners & Sponsors
The 5th Edition of the Nairobi City Marathon is made possible by the support of an outstanding group of partners and sponsors, including: the Government of Kenya, Sports Fund, Athletics Kenya, Moja Expressway, Royal Media Services, Nairobi County Government, 1xBet Mtaani, Brava Foods and National Bank. At the launch event, the National Bank presented a symbolic cheque of 5 million Kenyan shillings, reaffirming its commitment to growing the marathon together with the organising team.
Race Day: Sunday, 7 June 2026
The 5th Edition of the Nairobi City Marathon takes place on Sunday, 7 June 2026. With 75 nationalities represented in the field, the largest prize money of any marathon on the African continent still on the table, and a world-class elite lineup, organisers are anticipating the most memorable edition yet.
“To every runner who has signed up - we cannot wait to welcome you to the streets of our beautiful city and the expressway over it,” said Mr. Korir. “This marathon is Nairobi’s. And on June 7th, the pulse of Nairobi will be louder than ever.”
About the Nairobi City Marathon
The Nairobi City Marathon is Kenya’s premier city road & expressway race, now in its 5th edition. The event celebrates Nairobi’s world-renowned running heritage while showcasing the city to a global audience. Distances include the full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 5km, welcoming elite athletes and amateur runners alike from across the world.
