Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon runners have been urged to resist the temptation to cram their training as organisers roll out a series of warm-up runs ahead of the October 25 race.
We Run Nairobi, in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank, has launched pre-marathon runs to help participants build endurance to reduce the risk of injuries.
The programme got underway on Saturday with the Beer District Run along Waiyaki Way, where runners tackled distances of between 6km and 15km.
The sessions bring together first-time marathoners and experienced athletes, with organisers advising participants to increase their mileage gradually rather than overloading themselves in the final weeks.
The approach is designed to guard against one of the common causes of running injuries — doing too much too soon in an attempt to make up for lost training. The group runs also allow participants to train together, exchange tips and learn how to manage their workloads as they prepare for the 42km race and other categories.
“As part of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, we try to promote healthy lifestyles. These warm-up runs give everyone a chance to practise, get fit and prepare for the main marathon,” said Local Organising Committee chairman David Mwindi.
More warm-up runs are planned in the coming weeks, including the Mombasa Satellite Run in October, taking the build-up beyond Nairobi. The initiative comes as the 23rd edition heads towards a record field after organisers recorded the fastest registration period in the marathon’s history.
More than 30,000 runners have signed up in less than two months, forcing organisers to close entries ahead of schedule.
With the field now confirmed, organisers have shifted focus to ensuring participants are adequately prepared when they line up on October 25.
This year’s event will be held under the theme “Together We Run Further” and aims to raise Sh76 million for programmes supported by the Standard Chartered Foundation.
The 2026 programme will feature the 42km marathon, half marathon, 10km, 21km wheelchair race, 5km Family Fun Run, CEO Challenge, Corporate Challenge and Mombasa Satellite Run. Organisers hope the structured build-up will enable runners to arrive at the start line stronger, healthier and ready for the challenge.
