In Summary
- Nairobi City Marathon Set for Sunday with Major Road Closures and Air Quality Monitoring.
- The marathon will feature four races a full 42km marathon, a 21km half marathon, a 10km race, and a 6km race.
- Last year’s champions, Robert Kipkemboi Kiplimo and Naomi Jebet, are expected to defend their titles in the 42km categories.
Nairobi is set to host the third edition of the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday, with major roads in the city scheduled for closure starting Saturday at midnight, officials confirmed during a press conference held on Wednesday at Eka Hotel.
Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum, alongside athletics officials, outlined the logistics, while Stockholm Environment Institute researcher Ngongang Wandji announced the deployment of five additional air quality sensors, bringing the total to 12, to monitor air quality throughout the race.
This will mark the third Nairobi City Marathon since its inception in 2003.
Read Also:Standard Chartered Bank Kenya launches the 20th edition of the Nairobi Marathon
Former Kenyan long-distance runner and three-time Boston Marathon winner Ibrahim Hussein revealed that around 15,000 participants are expected this year, up from the 10,000 in the first edition.
“The race has been there for the last years, this being the third time.” Hussein said.
“This year, a big number is expected close to 15000, there will be full race 42km, half race 21km, 10km and 6km,” Hussein added.
The marathon will feature four races a full 42km marathon, a 21km half marathon, a 10km race, and a 6km race, in which PS Peter Tum is set to participate.
Over 40 foreign Countries To Participate
Athletics Sports President Jackson Tuwei noted that over 10,000 medals have been ordered, with participants registered from 40 nations, including 155 from China, 130 from the UK, 35 Americans, and 56 Tanzanians. Participants from Belgium, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe have also signed up.
“So far, we have a total of 10,650 registered athletes from a cross the world and the number is swelling every hour. Many have already jetted in for the epic showdown at the weekend,” Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei said.
Read Also:KBL offers Ksh. 5 million support to Kenya’s Paralympic team ahead of Paris Games
The Kenyan government has provided extensive support for the event, with substantial prize money for winners. Gold medalists will receive KSh 3.5 million, while silver medalists will earn KSh 2.5 million and Ksh 1.5 million.
“The marathon winners will be able to walk home with Sh3.5 million in both men and women’s races as second and third place finishers win Sh2.5 million and Sh1.5 million. The awards will trickle down up to top 20 finishers,” PS Peter Tum noted.
Robert Kiplimo and Naomi Jebet To Defend Their Titles
Nairobi County Deputy Officer in Charge of Traffic, Mary Kiarie, assured tight security measures, and roads will remain closed until 2 PM on Sunday.
“Various roads and sections will be closed from Saturday midnight till Sunday 2pm for the marathon,” Mary Kiarie added.
Last year’s champions, Robert Kipkemboi Kiplimo and Naomi Jebet, are expected to defend their titles in the 42km categories.
Read Also:Kenya’s Chebet Wins 5,000m in Paris As Kipyegon’s Silver Reinstated
Registration is ongoing and will close once the 15,000-participant limit is reached, likely by Saturday evening.
The event is expected to boost Nairobi’s tourism sector and enhance revenue for the country.
