NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyan long-distance runner Enock Kipkemboi emerged victorious in the men’s full marathon at the fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday, overcoming a strong field of local and international athletes in a race that attracted a record number of participants.
Kipkemboi crossed the finish line after a grueling 42-kilometre race on Nairobi’s iconic Expressway route, cementing his place among the country’s top marathoners and adding his name to the growing list of champions of the capital city’s premier road race.
His victory came as the Nairobi City Marathon recorded its biggest turnout since its inception, with approximately 17,500 runners from 75 countries participating across the full marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre race and 5-kilometre fun run categories. Organisers said the event surpassed previous participation records, highlighting its growing global appeal.
The race, held under the theme “Feel the Pulse of Nairobi,” saw athletes traverse key city landmarks and the Nairobi Expressway before finishing at the Uhuru Park.
Organisers described the event as one of Africa’s fastest-growing city marathons and a major tourism and economic driver for Nairobi.
Athletics Kenya officials hailed the increasing international participation, noting that runners from countries including the United Kingdom, China, India, Germany, Japan and the United States took part in this year’s edition.
The marathon also featured one of the richest prize purses in African road racing, with winners of the men’s and women’s full marathon categories set to receive KSh3.5 million each.
Competition Director Barnaba Korir said the event has evolved into a signature sporting spectacle for Nairobi and continues to strengthen the city’s position on the global athletics calendar.
“This is a marathon that belongs to Nairobi. Five years ago, we dared to dream of a marathon that would put Nairobi on the global running stage. Today, that dream is a reality,” Korir said ahead of the race.
The Nairobi City Marathon remains unique for its use of the Nairobi Expressway, offering runners a rare opportunity to race on one of Kenya’s most significant infrastructure projects while showcasing the capital’s skyline and urban landscape.
With participation numbers continuing to rise and elite athletes increasingly attracted to the event, organisers believe the Nairobi City Marathon is on course to become one of the continent’s premier road races.
