The streets of Nairobi belonged to runners on Sunday as a record-breaking 17,450 participants turned out for the fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon, turning the capital into a showcase of endurance, ambition and athletic excellence.
While thousands took part for fitness, personal achievement and community spirit, the spotlight fell on Kenya’s elite distance runners, who battled for victory and a share of one of the country’s richest road race prize purses.
The day began shortly before 7am as competitors set off along the Nairobi Expressway, a route that has become one of the marathon’s defining features.
In the women’s full marathon, Joy Kemuma completed a remarkable comeback to secure victory in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 43 seconds. The win marked a dramatic improvement from last year’s race, when she finished 13th.
Speaking after crossing the finish line, Kemuma said the difference was preparation.
“I am so happy to finish first today,” she said. “I ran last year and I was able to finish 13th. I had not trained well, but I ensured this year that I was fully prepared and I am glad I won.”
Kemuma added that a strong performance at the Eldoret City Marathon earlier this year boosted her confidence heading into Nairobi.
Jacinta Chepkoech finished second in 2:30:48, while Nancy Jepleting claimed third place in 2:31:07. Chepkoech attributed her podium finish to focused hill training, which helped her manage the demanding course.
The women’s champion walked away with Sh3.5 million, while second and third place earned Sh2.25 million and Sh1.5 million respectively.
The men’s race produced another redemption story.
Enock Kipkemboi bounced back from a disappointing result at the Eldoret City Marathon, where he failed to finish, to claim victory in 2:09:33. Robert Kwambai was second in 2:09:51, narrowly ahead of Shadrack Kenduiywo, who crossed the line five seconds later.
“I am so happy to have come here and won today,” Kipkemboi said after the race. “My sole objective was to win this race because my last competition did not go according to plan.”
The victory marked his first major marathon triumph since winning the Huai’an Marathon in China in 2024.
The half marathon races also delivered standout performances.
Brian Kogo claimed the men’s title in 1:00:55, finishing ahead of Jonah Kiprop Lagat and Lampard Mutuku. Kogo credited his development to training alongside two-time Boston Marathon champion John Korir, saying the experience had strengthened both his discipline and race strategy.
In the women’s half marathon, Doreen Cherop dominated the field to win in 1:09:19. Sylvia Changeiwo finished second, while Sharon Cherotich completed the podium.
Cherop described the race as demanding because of the weather and challenging terrain but said she was delighted to secure victory in only her second half-marathon appearance.
The shorter 10-kilometre races also attracted fierce competition. Zakariah Gacugu won the men’s event, while Phane Nyaboke Jairus emerged victorious in the women’s race.
Beyond the podium finishes, organisers celebrated the event’s growing popularity. The record turnout underlined Nairobi City’s rising status on the international road racing calendar and reflected increasing public interest in distance running.
For the winners, the race was about redemption. For thousands of others, it was about testing limits. Together, they helped deliver the largest Nairobi City Marathon in the event’s history.
About the Author
