Chepkwony, Chepkorir dominate 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 26.10.25. | 12:55
By the 25km mark, Chepkorir had taken charge and never looked back, staying composed and consistent through the final stretch.
A thrilling day of elite endurance and determination unfolded in Nairobi on Sunday, 26 October as Bernard Chepkwony made a triumphant return to the top, while Hellen Chepkorir stamped her authority in the women’s race to claim victory at the 2025 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
The event drew thousands of athletes and fans to the capital, with runners chasing personal bests and the coveted KSh2 million prize for the 42km champions.
The course records of 2:10:12 by Moses Kigen in 2009 and 2:24:31 by Evaline Chirchir in 2023 remained intact, but the performances still delivered plenty of drama and excitement.
Chepkwony makes winning comeback
The men’s marathon featured a fiercely competitive field, with the race intensity building from the early stages.
By the 10km mark, the leading pack had started to separate from the rest, signalling the contenders who would battle for top honours.
Chepkwony, returning to major competition, wasted no time asserting his intent. He set a strong pace from the start, joined by Silas Chesang, Donald Kimaru, Ezekiel Kemboi, Bethwel Chemuno, and Wilfred Kiplagat, all determined to stay in contention.
As the race progressed past the 30km mark, Chepkwony maintained the lead despite Chesang mounting a late push after struggling on the uphill sections.
Chepkwony’s endurance and composure carried him through to the finish line, clocking an impressive 2:11:01 to seal his comeback victory.
Alex Saekwo settled for second place in 2:11:26, while Ezekiel Omullo completed the podium in 2:11:40.
“I’ve been training hard and I’m happy to have come here and won. I put in the work and ensured that when I come here, I take nothing short of a win,” the elated Chepkwony said.
Chepkorir commands the women’s field
In the women’s marathon, Hellen Chepkorir produced a commanding display to clinch her maiden Nairobi Marathon crown.
The race began at a brisk tempo, with a tight front pack forming just before halfway. Supported by three pacemakers, the leading five, Chepkorir, Jane Moraa, Scholastica Jepkemboi, Naomy Chepkorir, and Beatrice Jeptepkeny kept the pace high.
By the 25km mark, Chepkorir had taken charge and never looked back, staying composed and consistent through the final stretch.
She powered to victory in 2:27:17, ahead of Naomy Chepkorir who finished in 2:27:37, while debutant Scholastica Jepkemboi rounded off the top three in 2:29:18.
“I came to this race prepared to win, and that is what I was expecting. I stuck with the pacers throughout, that was my strategy, and I’m glad it paid off well,” Chepkorir said after her victory.
Half Marathon highlights
In the men’s half marathon, Joshua Kithuku emerged victorious with a commanding time of 1:02:35, ahead of Nahashon Kipsang in 1:03:31 and Gilbert Korir in 1:03:34.
The women’s half marathon saw debutant Karen Wainaina deliver a breakout performance, clocking 1:10:40 to take the win. Fridah Rerimoi and Winny Chebet followed in 1:14:23 and 1:15:21 respectively.
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