Nairobi City Marathon THRILLS as 15,000 runners battle for glory

The 3rd edition of the Nairobi City Marathon attracted over 15,000 athletes, effectively ementing its status as a premier international event. 

Held on the iconic Nairobi Expressway, the marathon drew competitors from over 40 countries, further solidifying Kenya’s reputation as a powerhouse in long-distance running.

Eliud Magut emerged victorious in the men’s 42km race, clocking a time of 2:09:47 and earning Ksh 3.5 million. In the women’s category, Cynthia Limo Jerotich triumphed with a time of 2:28:02, taking home an equal prize. Runners who finished second and third received Ksh 2.25 million and Ksh 1.5 million respectively, with cash prizes extended to the top 20 finishers.

In the half-marathon (21km), Robert Kiprop and Marion Kibor claimed victory in the men’s and women’s races, each awarded Ksh 150,000. 

Meanwhile, the 10km race featured Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum, who joined an elite lineup of runners, finishing in impressive times of 57 and 54 minutes respectively. The winners of the category walked away with Ksh 100,000.

CS Murkomen lauded the event’s success, noting it had established itself on the global marathon calendar. "The presence of athletes from over 40 countries, alongside Kenyans running for both fun and competition, showcases the growing allure of this event.”

He highlighted the marathon’s environmental contributions, tying it to the President’s 15 billion tree initiative: “Today’s tree-planting initiative demonstrates our commitment to sports for climate action. By promoting environmental sustainability, we celebrate Kenya’s rich athletic heritage.”

Addressing the issue of gender-based violence in sports, CS Murkomen assured that the government will soon implement the Ndereba committee's recommendations. “In the coming days, we will take decisive action to combat GBV in sports, guided by the Ndereba committee’s recommendations, to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all athletes,” he stated.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure, assuring continued renovations at Nyayo National Stadium to meet international standards. This, he emphasized, will ensure that athletes have the best possible conditions for both training and competition.