Kiptum and Kandie win 2026 Nairobi Marathon 42km titles

Abraham Kiptum and Mercy Kandie Rotich emerged victorious at the 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, claiming the men’s and women’s 42-kilometre titles, respectively. Kiptum dominated the men’s race, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 35 seconds, just 23 seconds shy of the course record. Amos Cheruiyot finished second, while Mark Kibiwott settled for third place. In the women’s race, Kandie claimed the title, bouncing back from a 20th-place finish in the half marathon in 2023. Persi Jerono and Ruth Wakabu completed the podium in second and third place, respectively. Meanwhile, Orba Chemurgor and Nashon Kipsang won the women’s and men’s 21-kilometre races, respectively.