Inside the 5th Nairobi City Marathon 2026: A 10KM Participant’s Perspective

Elite performances and prize money

The 5th edition of the Nairobi City Marathon took place on Sunday, under the theme “feel the pulse of Nairobi” . Over 17,00 runners turned Uhuru park into a vibrant sea of colours and community spirit. From elite athletes chasing the podium glory to everyday heroes tackling the 10KM Expressway run, the event delivered high drama, unforgettable views and obstacles, and as with any big city runs, a few notable pains.

The full marathon lived up to Kenya’s reputation as the cradle of distance running. In the men’s race, Enock Kipkemboi stormed to victory in a personal best of 2:09:33, holding off strong challenges from Robert Kwambai (2:09:51) and Shadrack Kenduiywo (2:09:55) in an all-Kenyan podium sweep.

Kipkemboi took home KSh 3.5 million for the first place, while second and third position earned KSh2.25 million and KSh 1.5 million respectively.

Joy Kemuma claimed the women’s title in 2:27:43 , a strong redemption after finishing 13th the previous year , ahead of Jacinta Chepkoech and Nancy Jepleting. Both winners took home impressive prize money and delivered powerful post-race messages about preparation and resilience

The 10km Expressway Run was equally electric. Zakariah Gacugu edged out Shadrack Kipyegon by just one second (27:47 to 27:48) in a thrilling sprint finish, while the women’s side saw strong performances led by Phane Jairus. Top 10KM finishers earned KSh 100,000 for first place, KSh 60,000 for second and Ksh 40,000 for third.

The 10KM experience: My take as a participant

Starting at City Hall and finishing at Uhuru Park, the 10km course offered something truly special: Running on the elevated Nairobi Expressway with sweeping views of the city skyline, green spaces, and bustling neighborhoods below. The early morning chill gave way to that classic Nairobi sunshine.

The vibe was pure bliss for many. Families, corporate teams, first-timers, and seasoned runners mixed together. Music blasted at key points, spectators lined sections of the route, and the energy from fellow runners while cheering each other on was electric.

Crossing that line, collecting a finisher’s medal, and snapping those obligatory photos felt incredibly rewarding. For many, including me, it was never chasing an elite time. The 10KM was completed in a personal best of 1:32:25 . It was about soaking in the moment, pushing personal limits and being part of something bigger. That sense of collective achievement at Uhuru Park made every step worthwhile.

The mishaps and areas for improvement

Not everything was flawless, and it’s important to be honest about it. Hydration became the biggest talking point for many runners, especially those in the longer distances. While the 10km had two water stations (around km 4 and 8), the spacing and supply felt thin for the scale of the event.

Many mid and back-pack participants ,in the half and full marathon especially ,reported long dry stretches under the sun, leading to cramps, fatigue and in some cases, runners helping each other with whatever water they had left.

The absence of electrolytes or ORS at the stations stood out as a missed opportunity. At this level, with thousands of runners pushing their limits, basic support like that should be standard. There were also calls for better first-aid visibility and smoother aid station logistics. These issues didn’t ruin the day for everyone, but they created unnecessary risk and discomfort, particularly for those chasing personal bests or simply aiming to finish strong.

As a 10km participant, careful personal planning helped manage the conditions, but it was clear how these gaps affected the overall experience for many. Organisers delivered a massive, ambitious event , and now the feedback loop needs to match that ambition.

Final verdict: Worth it!

Despite the logistical hiccups, the Nairobi City Marathon delivered something rare.Genuine community energy in a world-class setting. The Expressway gave us views we don’t get every day, the organisation was solid enough to handle huge crowds, and the post-race atmosphere ..medals, photos, stories swapped between strangers was pure joy.

The event is highly recommended for both visitors and residents of Nairobi .Put this on your calendar. Just come prepared: Carry your own electrolytes if you’re going longer distances, hydrate aggressively the day before and embrace both the highs and the realities of a growing flagship event.

The pulse of Nairobi is strong , and it beats even louder when we run it together. See you on the road next year!