More than 30,000 runners taking part in this year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will benefit from expanded medical cover,
additional hydration support, improved post-race recovery services and new
sustainability measures as organisers step up preparations for the October 25 race.

The Local Organising Committee said the changes are designed to power
athlete safety and race operations while positioning the marathon as one of
Africa’s leading road races operating to international standards.

Key improvements include 20 hydration stations positioned along the route,
roaming bicycle medics for faster emergency response, dedicated muscle relief stations, enhanced recovery support and downloadable digital finisher
certificates.

Every finisher will also receive a tree seedling, with organisers targeting 50,000
trees in partnership with Nairobi City County as part of a broader sustainability
programme covering waste segregation, recycling, reduced single-use plastics,
responsible sourcing and impact measurement.

“This year, our focus is on raising the quality of the runner experience while
strengthening the safety and sustainability standards behind the race,” said David Mwindi, Chairman of the Local Organising
Committee.

Mwindi added: “From medical response and hydration to recovery and environmental responsibility, every enhancement is intended to give participants a well-organised, world-class
marathon experience.”

Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei said the marathon’s World
Athletics Road Race Label status gives Kenyan and international athletes a
credible platform to compete at a recognised standard.

“The World Athletics Road Race Label affirms the organisers’ commitment to
excellence and international race standards. It provides athletes with a recognised competitive platform and reinforces Kenya’s position as a global leader in distance running,” Tuwei said.

Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will be held on 25 October 2026 along Nairobi’s Southern Bypass. It will feature seven race categories: the 42km Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 21km Wheelchair Race, 10km Race, CEO Challenge and 5km Family Fun Run. There will also be warm-up runs across the country in the coming weeks as participants make their final preparations.