Kilimambogo Trail Marathon to put conservation at the heart of competition

Sport is taking on a new role in the fight against environmental degradation following the launch of the inaugural Kilimambogo Trail Marathon, an event that will combine competitive running with efforts to restore part of River Athi through clean-up activities and tree planting.

The marathon, launched in Nairobi will be held on July 18.   It will take participants through the scenic trails of Ol Donyo Sabuk in Machakos County.

Organisers say the event is designed not only to showcase Kenya’s natural landscapes but also to encourage people to play an active role in protecting them.

Event Director Steven Mutinda said the idea behind the marathon is inspired by the belief that people are more likely to protect places they have experienced and come to appreciate.

“People can only protect what they love. For you to like something, you need to experience it. We want runners to appreciate nature, experience the scenic trails so that they can fall in love with nature. If you fall in love with nature, you can protect it,” he said.

Alongside the race, organizers will lead the clean-up of a section of River Athi and plant trees along its banks in partnership with conservation stakeholders. The initiative aims to stabilize riverbanks, reduce soil erosion, trap plastic waste and improve water quality while contributing to Kenya’s target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

Mutinda said the project was intentionally focused on one stretch of the river to demonstrate that meaningful environmental change can begin with small, practical steps.

“We are not claiming to restore the entire River Athi. Instead, we are adopting one section in our inaugural edition, with the hope that our work inspires similar action elsewhere. Every stride will leave a positive footprint on our trail,” he said.

The event will feature 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre races targeting elite athletes, recreational runners, fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Organizers hope the different race categories will encourage wider public participation while introducing more Kenyans to trail running.

The marathon has received the endorsement of Athletics Kenya, with Senior Vice President Paul Mutwii saying the organizers had met the standards required to stage the event.

“This race provides another competitive platform for our athletes while promoting trail running in Kenya. We encourage athletes, fitness enthusiasts and families to come and experience what promises to be an exciting day of sport, nature and community engagement,” Mutwii said.

Organizers expect about 1,500 participants from across the country and more than 3,000 spectators during the inaugural edition. A total prize purse of KSh1.5 million has been set aside, with the men’s and women’s winners each taking home KSh250, 000.

While medals and prize money are expected to attract competitors, organizers hope the marathon will leave behind something more lasting than race results.