StanChartNairobi Marathon 22nd edition invites 200 elite athletes

• 200 elite athletes from six countries to compete at the 22nd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon;

Two hundred elite runners from six countries will compete in the 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, taking place tomorrow at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The event will feature top athletes in the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon and 10km road race, bringing together seasoned professionals and emerging stars from across the region and beyond.

Among the elite runners are 43 women and 157 men. A total of 91 athletes will compete in the full marathon, 79 in the half marathon, and 30 in the 10km race.

Uganda’s Wilfred Kiplagat and Cecilia Alonyo will lead their national contingent in the 42km category, seeking to challenge Kenya’s strong field for podium positions.

Rita Jelagat, who has competed in major international races including the Los Angeles Marathon at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles [USA], where she ran a personal best of 2:32:19 in March, and the Gutenberg Half Marathon in Mainz [GER], where she set a personal time? Best? of 1:11:44 this year, will take part in the 42km category.

The half marathon promises equally fierce competition, featuring Spain’s Roger Sans Ribas, ranked 1,112 globally in the men’s road running, and Maria Garcia, who recently clocked 1:23:14 at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona.

They will face stiff competition from Tanzania’s Gabriel Mlay, South Africa’s Ellah Ndlovu, Kenya’s Nahashon Kipsang, who holds a personal best of 1:01:38 from the Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon and Kenya’s Silas Kiplimo Chepkwony, who clocked 1:03:47 at the Instanbul Half Marathon in April 2025 [Instanbul, Turkey].

For the first time, the 42km marathon will feature an exclusive finish-line channel for elite runners. The 21km and 10km races will finish at separate points inside Uhuru Gardens to ease congestion, while the runner walk-off area after the finish has been expanded by 30 per cent to improve safety and flow.

Registration for elite runners this year was accepted only through coaches or the official marathon website, with race numbers issued strictly to athletes verified by Athletics Kenya (AK).

All races will be conducted in line with Athletics Kenya (AK), Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), and Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) rules and regulations.

To further enhance verification, elite athletes are required to collect their race kits exclusively from the Athletics Kenya Tent during kit collection at Uhuru Gardens on the eve of the race.

This year’s marathon route will start at Uhuru Gardens along Lang’ata Road, taking runners through the Southern Bypass for a scenic stretch overlooking the Nairobi National Park.

The 5km Family Fun Run will conclude along the Bypass, while all other categories will finish at Uhuru Gardens.

With more than 30,000 participants from 92 nationalities expected, the Nairobi Traffic Department has implemented a detailed traffic management plan to minimise disruption and ensure smooth vehicle movement during the race.

The 2025 edition has attracted a record sponsorship of KES 229 million, up from KES 173 million in 2024. This achievement underscores the growing commitment of Kenya’s corporate and development partners to supporting community-driven initiatives.

A total of 43 sponsors have provided cash and in-kind support to deliver a world-class marathon experience and lasting community impact through Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, the Bank’s global initiative that empowers young people, particularly women and persons with disabilities, to learn, earn, and grow.

The 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will feature seven categories: the full marathon, half marathon, 10km race, 21km wheelchair race, 5km Family Fun Run, CEO Challenge, and Corporate Challenge.

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