The road to the 22nd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon heated up over the weekend as more than 700 runners from Kenya’s Coastal region took part in the Mombasa Satellite Run at Mama Ngina Waterfront. Elizabeth Oyengo and Elisha Kipsoi stole the spotlight, winning the women’s and men’s 21KM races respectively with impressive performances.
The Mombasa run is part of a series of satellite events designed to give participants outside Nairobi a chance to join Kenya’s biggest one-day sporting event without having to travel to the capital. Runners competed in various categories, including the 5KM Family Fun Run, 10KM, and the flagship 21KM race. Though branded as a fun run, the event used professional chip timing systems to ensure accurate results.
An elated Kipsoi celebrated his victory after crossing the finish line with a personal best time.
“I’m excited that today I’ve achieved my personal best time ever, which marks a big improvement for me. I’ve been training hard and look forward to participating in major races in the coming years,” he said.
The 5KM and 10KM races started and ended at Mama Ngina Waterfront, looping through the Docks Roundabout. The 21KM runners took a longer route that passed through Fontanella Roundabout and intersected Moi Avenue and Mogadishu Road before heading back to the Waterfront.
Satellite races were first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow runners to participate from different locations while observing health restrictions. They have since become a key part of the marathon calendar.
David Mwindu, Chairperson of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee, said the growing popularity of satellite races reflects their impact.
“Each year, we see more participants joining these community events. It shows our commitment to promoting accessible fitness and sporting opportunities across the country,” he noted.
This year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has already drawn significant support. A record KES 229 million has been raised from 39 sponsors — a 32 percent jump from last year’s KES 173 million. More than 30,000 runners from 92 nationalities have signed up for the race, surpassing last year’s 27,000 participants.
Funds from the marathon will support Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers initiative, which focuses on empowering young people — especially women and persons with disabilities — by equipping them with the skills they need to learn, earn, and grow. The programme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes inclusive economic growth and decent work for all.
In 2024, the marathon raised KES 48 million for the initiative. This year’s target is KES 75 million. The three-year Futuremakers programme, worth KES 133 million, was launched last year to boost employability skills among youth.
With just a week left until race day, the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is shaping up to be the biggest and most impactful edition yet, reaffirming its position as Kenya’s leading international road race.
