Few sporting spectacles in Kenya showcase endurance, resilience and physical prowess quite like the marathon.
The fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon lived up to that reputation on Sunday, attracting a record 17,450 participants to the capital’s streets in pursuit of prize money, personal milestones and fitness goals.
Among them were elite athletes chasing bigger rewards — victory, prestige and a share of the lucrative prize purse on offer.
The day’s programme got underway at 6:45am when the starter’s gun signalled the start of the full marathon, with the country’s top road runners setting off in pursuit of glory along the Nairobi Expressway.
Joy Kemuma completed a remarkable turnaround from last year’s disappointment to win the women’s full marathon in 2:27:43.
The victory was a significant improvement from her 13th-place finish in 2025, when she clocked 2:31:45.
Jacinta Chepkoech finished second in 2:30:48 while Nancy Jepleting completed the podium in 2:31:07.
“I am so happy to finish first today,” Kemuma 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 said finishing fifth at the Eldoret City Marathon in April gave her confidence heading into Nairobi.
Chepkoech, who was 14th last year, credited targeted hill training for helping her navigate the demanding course and secure a podium finish.
The marathon champions earned Sh3.5 million, while second and third place took home Sh2.25 million and Sh1.5 million respectively.
In the men’s race, Enock Kipkemboi bounced back from a disappointing DNF at the Eldoret City Marathon to claim victory in 2:09:33.
Robert Kwambai was second in 2:09:51, narrowly ahead of Shadrack Kenduiywo, who clocked 2:09:56.
“I am so happy to have come here and won today. My sole objective was to win this race because my last competition did not go according to plan,” Kipkemboi said.
The victory was his first major triumph since winning the Huai’an Marathon in China in 2024.
Brian Kogo claimed top honours in the men’s half marathon after crossing the line in 1:00:55.
Jonah Kiprop Lagat finished second in 1:01:10, while Lampard Mutuku completed the podium in 1:01:32.
Kogo credited training alongside two-time Boston Marathon champion John Korir for helping shape his discipline and racing mentality.
Kiprop, a former 800m specialist, expressed satisfaction with second place in only his second road race, while Mutuku said improved endurance was beginning to show in his performances.
Doreen Cherop dominated the women’s half marathon, winning in 1:09:19 ahead of Sylvia Changeiwo (1:10:04) and Sharon Cherotich (1:10:30).
Cherop described the race as challenging due to the weather and the hilly course but was delighted with victory in only her second half marathon.
Changeiwo, who competed in the 10km race at last year’s event, said she was pleased to secure a podium finish despite the demanding course.
Cherop pocketed Sh150,000 for victory, while second and third place earned Sh80,000 and Sh50,000 respectively.
In the men’s 10km race, Zakariah Gacugu won in 27:47 ahead of Shadrack Kipyegon (27:48) and Enock Cheruiyot (28:03).
Phane Nyaboke Jairus claimed the women’s title in 31:27, beating Enit Moses (31:38) and Sharon Jepchirchir (31:54).
The top three finishers in the 10km races received Sh100,000, Sh60,000 and Sh40,000 respectively.
