Kipkemboi, Kemuma crowned Nairobi City Marathon champions

Enock Kipkemboi and Joy Kemuma won the fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon in the grueling cold Nairobi weather on Sunday.

Kipkemboi negotiated the tough course, conquering it in time of 2:09:33, lowering his previous personal best by over two minutes.

It was the second successive marathon the 25-year old won after cruising to victory in Huai'an Marathon in Huaian, China in April, where he clocked 2:11:44.

Kipkemboi, who trains in Iten, was over the moon after storming to victory.

"I'm so excited to win this year's edition. I had prepared well after a disappointing outing in the Eldoret City Marathon and I thank God everything went on smoothly today," said the 31-year old.

Kipkemboi had endured a tough time at the Eldoret City Marathon, last edition, after passing out at the 40km mark. However, the determined Kemboi showed intent early in the Kenya’s capital prime race, breaking away from the leading park at 27Km before bravely charging to victory.

Ronald Kwambai and Shadrack Kenduiywo clocked 2:09:51 and 2:09:55 to complete the podium finish.

Kemuma on the other side won the women's race in fashion, clocking 2:17:43.

The 38-year old marathoner who trains at Kapsabet training camp was in awe after winning the 42km race.

She improved on her fifth place finish in Eldoret City Marathon early this year, where she clocked 2:32:24

"I'm happy to win today's race. I had prepared well for the race and I'm elated that I emerged the winner.

She added that the Eldoret City Marathon was key to her build up of winning the Nairobi City Marathon.

"I ran in the Eldoret City Marathon and today I came back to try my luck to see if I could be on the podium. I'm happy my body responded well and won the race."

This was the second outing for Kemuma in the Nairobi City Marathon after placing 13th in 2025.

Brian Kogo destroyed the half marathon field, winning the race in a time of 1:00:55, beating John Kiprop Lagat and Lampard Mutuku who clocked 1:01:10 and 1:01:32 to finish second and third respectively.

Doreen Cherop Kibet destroyed the women's field, crossing the tape in a time of 1:09:19 with Sylvia Chengewo and Sharon Cherotich completing the podium finish.

The running course snaked through the iconic Nairobi Expressway and brought together approximately 17,500 athletes from 75 countries.

Second and third place finishes in the 42km race took home KSh. 2.25 million and 1.5 million respectively.

Half marathon winners scooped KSh.150,000 while second and third place finish   walked away with KSh. 80,000 and 50,000 respectively.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya hailed Athletics Kenya for the organisation of a standout race and promised to continue supporting the event.