Nairobi Marathon organisers target World Marathon Majors status

Korir, who is also the Nairobi branch Athletics Kenya chairman, says the event whose third edition went down on Sunday has caught the attention of the global athletics governing body—World Athletics.

“The rate at which this marathon is growing every year is amazing. It keeps improving technically and in numbers since it started three years ago. Our team is trusted by World Athletics because of the good job they do and if all continue like this I see no reason why it can’t be included in the majors,” said Korir.

In order to become a Major, the race will be required to meet certain criteria for three years and if successful, will join an elite group of races - Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon and New York City Marathon.

The race must however get nomination in order to join the candidate race which then marks the commencement of a multi-year evaluation process conducted by World Marathon Majors.

This year’s edition attracted more than 15000 participants and organisers confirmed that they will be targeting more than 25000 participants in the next year’s edition.

“The numbers keep on improving every year and it can only get better next year. People love participating in it because of the good organization and the fun that comes with it,” added Korir.

Korir, who also doubles up as Athletics Kenya’s Youth Development Director, also congratulated the country’s Under-20 team that took part in the recently concluded World Under 20 Championships in Lima, Peru.

He said the junior athletes carry the country’s future in the sport ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“At their age, they can only get better in the coming years. We have seen the fruits of youth development and with support from all stakeholders this can only improve for the good of the nation and the athletes.”

In Lima, Kenya harvested seven medals; three gold, three bronze and one silver.