Nairobi City Marathon targets 25,000 runners as registration opens
Organisers of the 2026 Nairobi City Marathon have opened registration for this year’s race, setting an ambitious target of 25,000 participants ahead of the event scheduled for June 7.
Race director Barnaba Korir said preparations for the fifth edition of the marathon are on course, expressing optimism that the event will attract both elite and recreational runners from across Kenya and beyond.
Korir said the marathon has grown into one of the country’s leading road races, with this year’s edition expected to record the highest turnout yet as organisers push for wider participation in sports and healthy living.
According to the organisers, the race will once again be staged on the Nairobi Expressway, with registration already live for the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km Expressway Run and the 5km fun run.
Korir described the experience of running on the Expressway as unique, saying it offers athletes and fitness enthusiasts an unmatched opportunity to view Nairobi from an elevated perspective.
“Running on the Expressway is epic and therapeutic. As you run, you get to see Nairobi from the top, and that makes it a very special experience,” said Korir.
He urged Kenyans to take advantage of the event, saying the marathon is open to all categories of runners regardless of experience.
Korir also challenged members of the public to embrace sports as part of their everyday lives, noting that physical activity is key in promoting health, discipline and talent development.
He encouraged people to pursue any sport they are passionate about, saying success in sports is not limited to athletics.
“I encourage everyone to participate in any sport, whether it is badminton, swimming, basketball or any other discipline they are good at. Sports can open opportunities and transform lives,” he said.
The Nairobi City Marathon has continued to build its profile since its launch, becoming the only race in Africa held on an expressway, a feature that has made it stand out on the continental athletics calendar. Organisers say the event is aimed at promoting sports tourism and positioning Nairobi as a major destination for road racing.
