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The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is Kenya’s flagship road race, featuring a scenic course along the Southern Bypass with views of Nairobi National Park. It attracts over 30,000 participants annually, celebrating the country’s rich athletic heritage and supporting youth empowerment through the Futuremakers initiative.
Course Highlights
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon offers a truly unique running experience, distinguished by its course along the iconic Southern Bypass. As participants traverse this scenic route, they are treated to breathtaking views of the Nairobi National Park, the only national park located within a capital city’s limits. The course is designed to be relatively flat and fast, making it ideal for both elite athletes aiming for personal bests and recreational runners enjoying the landscape. The race starts and finishes at Uhuru Gardens, a site of significant historical importance in Kenya, providing a grand backdrop for the event’s festivities. The route’s elevation, sitting at approximately 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level, adds a challenging yet rewarding dimension to the race, characteristic of Kenya’s high-altitude running heritage.
Race Details
The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026. The event features a wide array of categories to ensure inclusivity for all fitness levels. The flagship 42km Full Marathon kicks off at 06:00, preceded by the 21km Wheelchair race at 05:45. Other distances include the 21km Half Marathon starting at 07:20, the 10km race at 09:00, and a 5km Family Fun Run at 10:00. The event also hosts a Corporate Challenge and a CEO Challenge. As a World Athletics Label road race, the marathon adheres to the highest international standards of organization and competition. Registration typically costs approximately KES 2,500 for both local and international participants, with proceeds supporting the “Futuremakers” initiative, which aims to tackle inequality and promote economic inclusion for young people.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from across the globe are drawn to the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon to experience the vibrant spirit of the “Green City under the Sun.” It is more than just a race; it is a celebration of Kenya’s legendary distance-running culture. Participants have the rare opportunity to run alongside world-class Kenyan athletes in the very environment that produces global champions. The event is also highly regarded for its commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices such as reforestation efforts and minimized plastic usage. The sense of community is palpable, with thousands of volunteers and spectators lining the route to cheer on the 30,000+ participants. Whether you are running for a personal record or for a charitable cause, the marathon provides an inspiring atmosphere that embodies the theme “Together, We Run Further.”
Ready to take on the challenge in the home of champions? Secure your spot today by visiting the official registration portal at www.nairobimarathon.com.
At a Glance
- Location: Nairobi, Nairobi County — Kenya
- Next Date: 2026-10-25
- Distances: [‘Marathon’, ‘Half Marathon’, ’10K’, ‘5K’, ‘Wheelchair’]
- Start Time: 06:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.nairobimarathon.com
Nairobi, Nairobi County 00100 Kenya
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is Kenya’s flagship road race, featuring a scenic course along the Southern Bypass with views of Nairobi National Park. It attracts over 30,000 participants annually, celebrating the country’s rich athletic heritage and supporting youth empowerment through the Futuremakers initiative.
Course Highlights
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon offers a truly unique running experience, distinguished by its course along the iconic Southern Bypass. As participants traverse this scenic route, they are treated to breathtaking views of the Nairobi National Park, the only national park located within a capital city’s limits. The course is designed to be relatively flat and fast, making it ideal for both elite athletes aiming for personal bests and recreational runners enjoying the landscape. The race starts and finishes at Uhuru Gardens, a site of significant historical importance in Kenya, providing a grand backdrop for the event’s festivities. The route’s elevation, sitting at approximately 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level, adds a challenging yet rewarding dimension to the race, characteristic of Kenya’s high-altitude running heritage.
Race Details
The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026. The event features a wide array of categories to ensure inclusivity for all fitness levels. The flagship 42km Full Marathon kicks off at 06:00, preceded by the 21km Wheelchair race at 05:45. Other distances include the 21km Half Marathon starting at 07:20, the 10km race at 09:00, and a 5km Family Fun Run at 10:00. The event also hosts a Corporate Challenge and a CEO Challenge. As a World Athletics Label road race, the marathon adheres to the highest international standards of organization and competition. Registration typically costs approximately KES 2,500 for both local and international participants, with proceeds supporting the “Futuremakers” initiative, which aims to tackle inequality and promote economic inclusion for young people.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from across the globe are drawn to the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon to experience the vibrant spirit of the “Green City under the Sun.” It is more than just a race; it is a celebration of Kenya’s legendary distance-running culture. Participants have the rare opportunity to run alongside world-class Kenyan athletes in the very environment that produces global champions. The event is also highly regarded for its commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices such as reforestation efforts and minimized plastic usage. The sense of community is palpable, with thousands of volunteers and spectators lining the route to cheer on the 30,000+ participants. Whether you are running for a personal record or for a charitable cause, the marathon provides an inspiring atmosphere that embodies the theme “Together, We Run Further.”
Ready to take on the challenge in the home of champions? Secure your spot today by visiting the official registration portal at www.nairobimarathon.com.
At a Glance
- Location: Nairobi, Nairobi County — Kenya
- Next Date: 2026-10-25
- Distances: [‘Marathon’, ‘Half Marathon’, ’10K’, ‘5K’, ‘Wheelchair’]
- Start Time: 06:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.nairobimarathon.com