Nairobi City Marathon Draws Global Field of Over 15,000 Runners for Sunday’s Race
NAIROBI — More than 15,000 athletes from 75 nationalities are set to compete in the 4th edition of the Nairobi City Marathon this Sunday, July 6, marking the largest turnout in the event’s history.
Participants have been confirmed from Kenya, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Spain, and dozens of other countries, reflecting growing international interest in the race. Unlike previous editions, this year’s marathon will begin and end at Uhuru Park due to ongoing renovations at Nyayo Stadium for the upcoming CHAN football tournament.
Race organizers have confirmed that the flag-off for the 42-kilometer full marathon will take place at 6:45 a.m., followed by the 21-kilometer half marathon at 7:15 a.m., and the 10-kilometer race at 10:00 a.m. All races will run along sections of the Nairobi Expressway, offering scenic views of the capital’s skyline.
The total prize money for the event is Ksh 24 million, with Ksh 11.4 million allocated specifically to the top 22 finishers in the full marathon. The male and female winners of the 42 km race will each take home Ksh 3.5 million, while second-place finishers will earn Ksh 2.25 million, and third-place runners will receive Ksh 1.5 million.
Winners of the half marathon will claim Ksh 150,000, with the second- and third-place finishers earning Ksh 80,000 and Ksh 50,000, respectively. In the 10 km race, top runners will pocket Ksh 100,000, followed by Ksh 60,000 for second place and Ksh 40,000 for third.
Event organizers say this year’s race is not just about athletic achievement it’s also a chance to promote Nairobi’s urban transformation. “The goal is to highlight the beauty of the Nairobi Expressway and the surrounding cityscape,” an official statement read.
The Nairobi City Marathon continues to position itself as a premier road race in Africa, drawing elite athletes and recreational runners alike. With generous cash prizes and a new course layout, this year’s race is expected to deliver both fierce competition and striking visuals.
Security, route management, and medical support teams are in place ahead of the event, with traffic advisories expected to be issued for affected parts of the city on race day.
As race day nears, excitement is building across the city, with local runners preparing to compete alongside seasoned international athletes on Kenya’s biggest marathon stage.
