Karura race draws more than 1,000 runners ahead of Nairobi Marathon

With the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon now less than a month away, runners used Sunday's Friends of Karura Anniversary Race to test their fitness and build momentum ahead of the main event.

More than 1,000 participants competed in four race categories covering 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km at Karura Forest, in an event that also brought together families and members of the wider community.

The race was followed by activities at Amani Gardens, including a family celebration and a watch party for the Berlin Marathon.

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Joyce Kibe, said the preparatory races allow athletes to assess their progress before the October 25 marathon.

“The warm-up races are an important part of the journey towards the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, giving runners an opportunity to test their preparation, build confidence and connect with fellow participants ahead of the main race,” Kibe said.

The events also provide a platform to link running with environmental conservation, with Sunday's race held within Karura Forest.

Friends of Karura Anniversary Race Operations Manager Peter Njui said the organisers see the races as both preparation for athletes and an opportunity to bring communities together.

“The warm-up races give runners an opportunity to prepare for the marathon while bringing people together around causes that matter to our communities,” Njui said.

Njui also pointed to the importance of continued collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service in protecting Karura Forest.

The growing preparations come as organisers target a field of more than 30,000 runners for this year's Nairobi Marathon.

Participants from 102 nationalities are expected, with more than 400 elite athletes also set to compete. The international field will include runners from Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Brazil and Ethiopia.

The Nairobi Marathon has recorded more than 345,000 participants since its inception and has generated approximately Sh520 million for initiatives supported through the Standard Chartered Foundation.

Those programmes have focused on helping young people, women and people with disabilities through employability, entrepreneurship and skills development initiatives.

The 2026 edition has attracted a combined sponsorship package of Sh273 million. Standard Chartered has committed Sh130 million, while other sponsors have provided Sh143 million through cash and in-kind contributions.

The main race will be held at Uhuru Gardens on October 25, with the organisers expecting thousands of runners to converge in Nairobi for the 23rd edition.