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Kiplagat, Kemunto set the pace as 2,000 runners warm up for Stanchart Nairobi Marathon

Agencies
By Agencies September 07, 2026 11:05 (EAT)
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Kiplagat, Kemunto set the pace as 2,000 runners warm up for Stanchart Nairobi Marathon

Karen Mumbi, Representative of the After Six Africa Project Team handing over a token to Millicent Kemunto, the winner of the 21km female race alongside Daniel Gatama, Marathon Convenor of the Parklands Sports Club, during the Parklands Run in collaboration with Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. This race serves as a warm-up ahead of the 23rd edition of the Nairobi Marathon to be held on October 25, 2026.

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More than 2,000 runners gathered at Parklands Sports Club on Sunday for a warm-up race ahead of the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.

Victor Kiplagat won the men’s 21-kilometre race in 1:10:10, while Millicent Kemunto emerged victorious in the women’s race after clocking 1:22:46.

The event provided runners with an opportunity to assess their fitness and build momentum ahead of the main marathon on October 25, with participants taking part in different race distances.

“Winning today has given me confidence as I prepare for the main race next month. The competition was strong and I am happy with my performance. I will use this momentum as I work towards achieving an even better result at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon,” said Kiplagat.

The 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will be held along Nairobi’s Southern Bypass and is expected to attract more than 30,000 runners. The race has also secured World Athletics Road Race Label status, placing it among recognised international road races.

The event will feature seven categories, including the 42-kilometre marathon, 21-kilometre half marathon, 10-kilometre race, 21-kilometre wheelchair race, 5-kilometre Family Fun Run, CEO Challenge and Corporate Challenge.

A satellite run will be held in Mombasa on October 18 as organisers continue to build momentum towards the main event.

The marathon has grown significantly since its launch in 2003, having attracted more than 345,000 participants over the years.

It has also earned the prestigious World Athletics Road Race Label, reflecting its compliance with international standards on areas including course measurement, timing, medical support, environmental responsibility and anti-doping.

"The turnout at Parklands is a strong indication of the enthusiasm building towards this year’s marathon. Our focus is on giving runners a safe, inclusive and high-quality race experience while ensuring that the event continues to create a wider impact beyond the course,” said Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing for Kenya & Africa.

This year’s marathon will also combine sport with environmental and community initiatives. 

In partnership with Nairobi City County, organisers are targeting the planting of 50,000 tree seedlings across the county as part of the marathon’s sustainability agenda.

The event is also supporting the Standard Chartered Foundation’s work to expand opportunities for young people through initiatives focused on areas including financial education, entrepreneurship, mentorship and life skills.

The marathon has further strengthened its focus on participant welfare, with the 2026 edition featuring mobile medical units, hydration points, nutrition and electrolyte support, misting stations and professional pacing teams along the course.

The Parklands warm-up is the second in a series of build-up activities ahead of the October race. 

Further warm-up runs will be held at Friends of Karura, alongside the Mombasa Satellite Run, giving runners more opportunities to prepare before the main event.

With the marathon now less than two months away, organisers are urging registered participants to use the remaining weeks to fine-tune their training as Nairobi prepares to host one of the country’s biggest single-day sporting events.

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Nairobi Marathon Parklands Sports Club Victor Kiplagat Millicent Kemunto

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