The road to the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon officially heated up on Sunday, as Peter Mwangi and Fridah Ndida emerged victorious in the 21km warm-up run at Parklands Sports Club.
The duo outshone a field of over 1,500 runners who braved the early morning challenge, with Mwangi posting 65 minutes in the men’s race and Ndida clocking 77 minutes to dominate the women’s category.
For Mwangi, the result was less about the medal and more about momentum.
“This was a good test ahead of October,” he reflected. “The course was tough, but today’s performance has given me confidence. I want to carry this energy into the marathon and hopefully improve on my time.”
A Marathon Beyond Sport
The October 26 race at Uhuru Gardens is set to be the biggest yet, with more than 18,000 athletes already registered and organisers projecting over 30,000 participants by the October 10 deadline. Among them will be over 60 elite runners, including Lazarus Too, Donald Sambu, Stephen Mugabe, and Kenya’s Cecilia Alonyo, promising an electric contest at the front of the pack.
But beyond elite competition, the Nairobi Marathon has become a powerful platform for social impact. According to David Mwindi, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, the turnout at Parklands signaled just how much the event means to individuals and communities alike.
“The marathon is no longer just a race,” he said. “It is a movement that brings together runners, sponsors, and the wider community to transform lives through initiatives like Future makers.”
Organisers are targeting Ksh.70 million this year for Future makers by Standard Chartered, a global programme that equips young people — especially women and persons with disabilities — with education, skills, and opportunities. Last year, the marathon raised Ksh.48 million.
Building Momentum
The Parklands run is just one of several lead-up activities designed to engage runners and fans ahead of the main day. Other highlights include a warm-up run in Karura Forest, a medical outreach in Kibera, and a satellite race in Mombasa, all aimed at fostering participation across different communities.
Race-Day Enhancements
To improve the marathon experience, organisers have introduced a series of innovations. This year’s 42km race will feature a dedicated elite finish channel, while the 21km and 10km routes will conclude at different sections of Uhuru Gardens to ease congestion. The walk-off area has been expanded by 30%, ensuring smoother flow for finishers, with extra hydration and medical teams on hand. In addition, a professional photo-finish station will allow runners to capture their defining moments without blocking the course.
As the countdown continues, Mwangi, Ndida, and thousands of others now look ahead to October — a month when Nairobi will once again transform into the capital of endurance, community, and hope.
