Nairobi on the Run: How the City Marathon Became Kenya’s Pulse in Motion

By Robert Kibet 

Nairobi, June 30, 2025 — As the first light of dawn spreads across Nairobi’s iconic skyline this Sunday, the city will come alive in a powerful rhythm—one footfall at a time. Over 15,000 runners from across Kenya’s 47 counties and more than 78 countries will flood the capital’s streets in celebration of the third edition of the Nairobi City Marathon.

But this isn’t just a race. It’s a statement. It’s a story of pride, purpose, and people.

“What started as an ambitious city marathon is now a national movement. From elite runners to fun runners, the Nairobi City Marathon has become a race that unites us all,” said Barnaba Korir, the Nairobi City Marathon Race Director.

From its humble beginnings three years ago, the marathon has rapidly grown into East Africa’s most anticipated urban road race, offering both competitive excellence and community inclusion. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just jogging for fun, Nairobi has opened its arms to every runner.

The race has also sparked individual ambitions and personal journeys. For Allan Okoth, a Nairobi-based entrepreneur running the marathon for the first time, the event is more than a fitness test—it’s a stepping stone.

“The road to Berlin starts here,” said Okoth, referring to the prestigious Berlin Marathon. “I am told there’s a monetary prize, and so if you need to escape poverty, this could be one way. Others are in it for health reasons—being fit helps reduce healthcare expenses. I also intend to use it as a networking opportunity, because you never know whom you’ll be running next to.”

This year’s route begins at Railway Road, snaking through the Nairobi Expressway, a stretch that offers more than just fast times; it gifts runners with sweeping views of the capital’s evolving infrastructure and charm.

“People are not just running for medals,” said Korir. “They’re running for pride, for health, for fun, and to be part of something historic. That’s why we had to cap it at 15,000 participants. Nairobi has spoken.”

The finish line, moved this year to the newly refurbished Uhuru Park, adds a powerful layer of symbolism. Once a gathering ground for freedom and civic expression, it now becomes the final stage for personal triumphs.

“Uhuru Park is where the soul of Nairobi gathers. It’s the people’s park, and now it will be the people’s marathon ground,” Korir added.

With increasing numbers comes increasing responsibility. To ensure the Nairobi City Marathon runs smoothly and safely, organisers have been meticulous in their planning—particularly when it comes to participant management. 

Each race category has been capped to maintain high standards and avoid overcrowding. The full marathon (42km) will host a maximum of 1,200 runners, while the half marathon (21km) will accommodate 4,300 participants. 

The popular 10km race has been limited to 6,000 runners, and the 4km fun run will feature up to 700 participants. 

These limits reflect the organisers’ commitment to quality over chaos.

“We didn’t want to congest the city or stretch our resources beyond their limit. That’s why we placed a cap. We want quality over chaos,” said Korir.

But the challenge isn’t just about crowd control—it’s also about changing mindsets. A recurring hurdle is Nairobi’s “lastminute.com” registration culture, something Korir is eager to change.

“One thing we must change is this last-minute culture. In world marathons like Rotterdam, registration opens and closes months ahead. We have to wake up and plan early—it’s part of growing into a world-class marathon city,” he emphasized.

While the even

t welcomes global elites, it has also proven to be a cradle for Kenya’s next generation of running stars. Previous editions have spotlighted unknown athletes who emerged victorious over seasoned pros.

“This marathon has a way of producing surprise champions. Yes, we have elites, but the streets of Nairobi have also revealed future stars. It’s where the unknown becomes the unforgettable,” said Korir.

Yet the race is about more than performance. It’s about connection—to the city, to each other, and to history. Spectators and fun runners alike will have the chance to take selfies on the expressway, soak in panoramic views, and reimagine Nairobi as more than a congested capital.

The Nairobi City Marathon is also rekindling conversations around national pride and the role athletics plays in shaping Kenya’s identity. As one official put it: “We need to stop taking our greatness for granted. When Eliud Kipchoge says, ‘No human is limited,’ we must teach that in our homes and schools—not just in sports but in every dream.”

Korir agrees.

“This is more than a marathon,” he said. “It’s Nairobi telling its story on foot. It’s our way of saying we can host the best, welcome the world, and do it our way—with heart, grit, and style.”

So when the starter’s pistol echoes this Sunday morning, Nairobi won’t just be running—it will be breathing, dreaming, and moving as one, writing a new chapter in the story of a city on the rise.