Nairobi City Marathon draws global competitors with millions up for grabs
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 04.07.25. | 08:30
The event now holds the distinction of offering the highest prize money for a marathon in Africa
Organisers of the Nairobi City Marathon's fourth edition, scheduled for Sunday, 6 July, have set a lucrative prize purse for top finishers, where the winners of the classic distance will walk home Ksh3.5 million richer.
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The podium finishers in second and third place are set to be awarded Ksh2.25 million and Ksh1.5 million, respectively, in an elaborate reward scheme that will see the top 20 athletes walk home with prize money. Fourth and fifth will earn Ksh800,000 and Ksh650,000. The last awardee walks away with Ksh30,000.
This year’s edition has attracted 2000 more entrants, so far, than last year’s edition, which saw 13,000 runners compete. Expectations to reach 16,000 are high.
Themed ‘I Love Nairobi’ and dubbed ‘The only marathon run in the sky’ as it is held on the Nairobi Expressway, this year’s race will be flagged off at Uhuru Park, a shift from the traditional Nyayo Stadium.
The marathon has attracted participants from over 70 different countries, highlighting its growing status as a major international event. China leads the foreign pack with 375 runners, India with 103, as well as entries from Britain, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Japan.
Organisers aim to elevate the Marathon to the level of the World Marathon Majors, and the high prize purse is a key attraction. “We want to make Nairobi a global reference point in road racing,” said Athletics Kenya's Jackson Tuwei.
Last year, Kaptagat’s Eliud Magut won the men’s 42km on debut, clocking 2:09:47 to finish ahead of Josphat Bett (2:10:01) and Emmanuel Sikuku (2:10:05).
In the women's race, Cynthia Jerotich stole the spotlight with her exceptional performance, coming home in 2:28:02. She outpaced a strong field of competitors, with Lilian Chebii (2:28:29) and Peris Jerono (2:30:44) placing second and third, respectively.
In the Half Marathon, Robert Kiprop (1:00:56) and Marion Kibor (1:08:55) won the men's and women's races, respectively.
