NAIROBI, Kenya — French President Emmanuel Macron traded formal summit meetings for a morning road run on Monday after joining Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge for a jog through Nairobi during his visit for the Africa Forward Summit 2026.
The rare public appearance quickly attracted attention online as the French leader was seen running alongside the two-time Olympic marathon champion in what appeared to be a relaxed training session on Nairobi streets.
Macron wore a navy blue track shirt with white sleeve stripes, black shorts, and blue running shoes, while Kipchoge appeared in coordinated running gear as the pair maintained a steady pace and occasionally conversed during the jog.
They were accompanied by a group of runners and members of the presidential security detail who followed closely behind throughout the session.
The lighter moment contrasted with the intense diplomatic schedule surrounding the Africa Forward Summit, which has brought together African heads of state, investors, policymakers, and international development partners in Nairobi.
Kipchoge, widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners in history, has become a global sporting icon known for his discipline, endurance, and achievements in long-distance running.
The Kenyan athlete made history in 2019 when he became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, although the feat was not officially recognised as a world record because of controlled race conditions.
Macron is among the key global leaders attending the two-day summit co-hosted by Kenya and France, which is focusing on trade, infrastructure, climate action, technology, innovation, and investment partnerships between Africa and Europe.
President William Ruto and Macron have already overseen the signing of several bilateral agreements covering renewable energy, transport, agriculture, digital transformation, and education cooperation.
The summit is also expected to address reforms to global financing systems, expansion of investment opportunities in African economies, and strategies for strengthening green industrial growth.
For Kenya, the summit represents a major diplomatic and economic opportunity as Nairobi continues positioning itself as a regional hub for international business, diplomacy, and innovation.
Delegations attending the summit include presidents, prime ministers, ministers, and representatives from international organisations across Africa and Europe.
