Chepkwony and Chepkorir Shine as Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Raises Record KSh 76 Million for Charity
Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 42km women winner Hellen Chepkorir (middle) receives a dummy cheque from Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano along with Naomi Chepkorir (left) who clinched second position and Scholastica Chepkemboi third respectively
The streets of Nairobi came alive on Sunday morning as thousands of runners from across the globe took part in the 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon an event that continues to unite sport, community, and social impact under one banner.
Kenya’s long-distance dominance was once again on display, with Bernard Chepkwony and Hellen Chepkorir taking top honours in the men’s and women’s 42km races. Chepkwony clocked an impressive 2:11:01, while Chepkorir stormed to victory in 2:27:17, sealing a perfect Kenyan double in the marquee event.
A Festival of Speed and Spirit
The energy was palpable from sunrise as participants took to the course, cheered on by thousands of spectators along Nairobi’s iconic roads.
In the 21km half marathon, Joshua Kithuku triumphed in 1:02:35, with Fridah Rerimoi crossing the line first among women in 1:14:23.
The 10km race brought another thrilling display of talent, with Shadrack Musyoka clocking 29:01 and Nelvin Jepkemboi winning the women’s race in 33:04.
Inclusivity was also in the spotlight as the 21km wheelchair category featured inspiring performances from John Wambua and Mary Tatu Jared, who won their respective races in 1:29:25 and 1:49:47.
Record Participation and Growing Global Reach
This year’s marathon broke multiple records — attracting 30,602 participants from 92 nationalities, a testament to its rising global appeal. More than 200 elite athletes took part, representing a diverse pool of talent from Kenya, East Africa, and beyond.
Participation by persons with disabilities (PWDs) rose significantly from 146 in 2024 to 184, highlighting the organisers’ deliberate efforts to make the event inclusive. The 10km category recorded the highest turnout with 12,855 runners, up from 10,276 last year.
The top five participating nationalities were Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, reflecting the marathon’s growing international stature.
KSh 76 Million for Futuremakers Initiative
Beyond the medals and finish-line glory, this year’s marathon achieved a milestone that cements its legacy as Kenya’s most impactful charity sporting event.
A total of KSh 76 million was raised the largest amount ever collected from a single-day event in Kenya.
Since its inception, the marathon has now raised over KSh 925 million towards Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers initiative, which focuses on empowering youth, women, and persons with disabilities through education, employability, and entrepreneurship.
Through this programme, thousands of young people across Kenya have been equipped with skills to learn, earn, and grow, turning the marathon’s proceeds into lasting change in communities nationwide.
Championing Inclusion and Sustainability
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Kariuki Ngari, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kenya & Africa, hailed the 22nd edition as one of the most successful yet.
“The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has been remarkable, marked by a significant rise in elite runners, sponsors, and overall participation,” said Ngari.
“Our focus this year was on hosting an inclusive and sustainable event. Through our partners, we provided mothers’ rooms and nursing stations along the route and at the venue, ensuring comfort for parents and their children.”
Ngari noted that beyond the race, the marathon’s ripple effect extends into Kenya’s economy, injecting an estimated KSh 229 million this year alone.
Integrity and Global Recognition
To safeguard the credibility of results, Standard Chartered partnered with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), which conducted tests on top finishers across all key race categories the 42km, 21km, 10km, and Wheelchair races.
The marathon’s collaboration with Athletics Kenya has also paid off, with the event achieving the prestigious World Athletics Road Race Label in 2023. This recognition places the Nairobi Marathon among globally ranked races, allowing local athletes to gain international points and exposure.
More Than a Marathon
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is more than a competition; it is a movement of resilience, community, and transformation.
Over two decades since its inception, it has become a symbol of Kenya’s athletic excellence and a platform for driving social progress.
From elite runners chasing records to families taking part in the 5km Fun Run, the event embodies the spirit of togetherness and the power of sport to inspire change.
As the 22nd edition concluded, one message resonated across Uhuru Gardens and the streets of Nairobi “Running for a Reason.”
For every step taken, the marathon continues to move lives forward, building a legacy where sport fuels opportunity, inclusion, and hope for generations to come.
