By Juliet Jerotich
The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, was a spectacular display of endurance, inclusion, and community spirit.
The event saw Kenya’s Bernard Chepkwony and Hellen Chepkorir emerge as champions in the men’s and women’s 42km races, finishing with impressive times of 2:11:01 and 2:27:17, respectively.
Other winners included Joshua Kithuku and Fridah Rerimoi, who claimed victory in the 21km races with times of 1:02:35 and 1:14:23.
In the 10km race, Shadrack Musyoka and Nelvin Jepkemboi triumphed, clocking 29:01 and 33:04, while John Wambua and Mary Tatu Jared took the top spots in the men’s and women’s 21km wheelchair races, finishing in 1:29:25 and 1:49:47, respectively.
How many runners participated in the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon?
This year’s marathon broke new records, attracting 30,602 runners from 92 nationalities, making it one of Kenya’s most diverse and inclusive sporting events.
Over 200 elite athletes participated, highlighting the marathon’s growing international reputation. Notably, participation among persons with disabilities (PWDs) rose to 184, up from 146 in 2024, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusivity.
The 10km race continued to be the most popular category, drawing 12,855 runners, a significant increase from the previous year’s 10,276 participants. The top nationalities represented included Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom — underscoring the marathon’s global reach.
The event featured six categories: 42km men and women, 21km men and women, 10km men and women, 21km wheelchair men and women, the 5km Family Fun Run, and the Corporate Relay Challenge.
How much was raised during the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in 2025?
The marathon raised an impressive Ksh 76 million for community programmes — the highest ever from a single-day event in Kenya. Since its inception in 2003, the marathon has raised Ksh 0.925 billion for charity and contributed an estimated Ksh 229 million to Kenya’s economy this year alone.
All proceeds support Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers initiative, which empowers youth — especially women and persons with disabilities — through education, entrepreneurship, and employability programs. This long-standing initiative continues to transform lives across Kenya by providing opportunities for learning and growth.
Speaking during the event’s conclusion, Kariuki Ngari, Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered Kenya & Africa, praised the marathon’s success and inclusivity. He highlighted the involvement of over 40 sponsors and partners who helped deliver a seamless experience for all participants.
Ngari emphasised that the marathon’s impact extends far beyond competition.
“The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon goes beyond the race itself; its true value lies in the lives transformed through its proceeds,” he said.
To ensure integrity and fairness, the organisers collaborated with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to conduct doping tests on top finishers across all categories.
Additionally, the marathon maintained its World Athletics Road Race Label accreditation, achieved in 2023, allowing athletes to earn international ranking points.
This year’s edition placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability. Organisers introduced facilities such as mothers’ rooms and nursing stations along the route to support participants with families.
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon continues to stand as Kenya’s premier road race and the only World Athletics-accredited event in the country. As it marks its 22nd successful edition, the marathon not only celebrates athletic excellence but also continues to uplift communities — one stride at a time.
