Why Nairobi City Marathon is Kenya’s ultimate audition for the global stage

The fifth edition of the race will see a record 17,450 athletes from 75 nationalities compete across different categories, starting at City Hall Way from 6:45am before finishing at the newly renovated Uhuru Park.

With a Ksh3.5 million prize purse for the standard marathon winners, the event has quickly positioned itself among Africa’s leading distance races.

But according to Competition Director Kennedy Tanui, the bigger mission is to build a marathon capable of placing Nairobi among the world’s greatest city races. Behind the scenes, the Nairobi City Marathon is part of a bigger national ambition.

Athletics Kenya was given a mandate to develop a race capable of matching the world’s biggest city marathons.

“As per the Cabinet memo, we were ordered as Athletics Kenya for the next 10 years to organise a world-class event that matches the likes of New York Marathon, Boston Marathon, Berlin Marathon and London Marathon,” Tanui revealed.

The bigger dream is to strengthen Kenya’s bid to host the World Athletics Championships.

“We have presented a very strong bid to host the World Championships either in 2029 or 2031,” Tanui said.

“Nairobi City Marathon is one of the benchmarks of hosting such a magnificent championship the apex of athletics in the world.”

For the first time in the event’s history, registration reached capacity weeks before race day, forcing the system to automatically close entries.

“We have 17,450 participants. We did not close the registration — the system automatically closed itself,” Tanui explained.

“This thing got filled more than three weeks before the event. Logistically, we cannot get more than that because supplies and equipment have already been ordered.”

The overwhelming response has pushed organisers to expand their plans, with a target of accommodating up to 30,000 runners in future editions.

“We are trying very hard next year to expand the spaces and logistics to accommodate up to 30,000. This is a commitment,” Tanui said.

The 2026 edition will feature 6,550 runners in the 10km race, 5,050 participants in the 21km half marathon, 4,100 runners in the 5km family run, and 1,750 athletes competing in the full 42km marathon.

The full marathon has attracted more than 1,700 elite athletes, making it one of the strongest fields assembled for a city marathon in Africa.

Korir leads elite charge

A proven performer on the global marathon circuit, Jonathan Kipleting Korir will spearhead the elite men’s field.

Korir arrives as the fastest athlete in the marathon field with a personal best of 2:04:32 and carries strong international credentials.

The Kenyan finished fourth at the 2019 BMW Berlin Marathon, clocking 2:06:45 against a world-class field, and his experience on major marathon stages makes him one of the leading contenders.

However, Nairobi has developed a reputation for producing surprises.

Korir will face a strong challenge from John Langat and Simon Kipkosgei, both with personal bests of 2:07.

Langat brings proven consistency on the roads, while Kipkosgei arrives with valuable experience from the 2023 Berlin Marathon, where he set his personal best.

On the women’s side, former Los Angeles Marathon and  Prague Marathon  silver medallist  Wangari Muriuki and 2025  Leiden marathon winner Gladys Kerubo Otero   headline a competitive field.

Running at more than 5,500 feet above sea level, the course has become one of the toughest tests in urban marathon racing.

“It is hard to predict Nairobi because this has been a marathon of budding talents. New talents emerge every year,” Tanui said.

“No athlete has successfully defended his title in Nairobi City Marathon. This is a race with turnovers and a chance for new athletes to earn their international stature.”

Beyond the elite competition, organisers want the marathon to become a celebration for the entire city.

The finish at Uhuru Park will provide a free public experience, with families encouraged to come and enjoy the atmosphere.

“It will be a fully fun day. The public will access Uhuru Park without paying. Bring your children, come and enjoy,” he added.