By Monica Nashon
Nairobi became a meeting point for runners from around the world on Sunday as 30,700 people took part in the 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
The 23rd edition of the race attracted participants from more than 100 nationalities and over 400 elite athletes.
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The event also received a record sponsorship of Ksh 273 million.
The biggest prize went to the winners of the 42km Full Marathon, with Abraham Kiptum taking the men’s title and Mercy Rotich winning the women’s race.
Kiptum collected Ksh 2 million for his victory.
Amos Kipkemoi finished second in the men’s race, while Mark Kibiwott came third.
Other winners included Nahason Kipsang and Orba Chemurgor in the 21km Half Marathon, Alfred Kimani and Joy Cheptoyek in the 10km race, and Samuel Kuria and Mercyline Ajenjo in the 21km wheelchair race.
The event offered a total prize purse of Ksh 11.24 million.
But beyond the competition, the marathon also raised money for community programmes.
Organisers said Ksh 76 million was raised through registration fees, bringing the total amount raised by the marathon since its inception to Ksh 596 million.
The money will support programmes run through the Standard Chartered Foundation.
The programmes aim to help young people, women and persons with disabilities gain skills and access economic opportunities.
Birju Sanghrajka, CEO of Standard Chartered Kenya, said the large international turnout showed the power of sport to connect people.
“This marathon brings the world to Nairobi,” Sanghrajka said, adding that the funds raised would help young people “learn, earn and grow.”
David Mwindi, Chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee, said organisers wanted every runner to have a good experience.
The organisers provided 19 hydration stations, roaming bicycle medics, muscle relief stations and post-race recovery services.
Runners could also download digital finisher certificates.
Mwindi said the race had maintained high standards because it carries the World Athletics Road Race Label.
He noted that accurate timing, medical care, hydration and recovery were among the key priorities.
Anti-doping measures were also carried out in partnership with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), with selected top finishers undergoing testing in line with race regulations.
Marathon Champions Green and Clean Running Initiative
Environmental conservation was another major highlight of this year’s marathon.
Each finisher received a tree seedling, as organisers work with Nairobi City County to plant 40,000 trees.
The event also promoted waste separation, recycling and reduced use of single-use plastics.
World Athletics Vice President and Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei, Standard Chartered Kenya CEO Birju Sanghrajka and marathon chairman David Mwindi presented trophies and dummy cheques to the leading athletes during the awards ceremony.
With registration closing in July after more than 30,700 places were filled, organisers said the strong demand shows the marathon’s growing popularity both in Kenya and internationally.
