Kurgat and Chemutai Shine at 21st Edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon

This year’s marathon attracted over 200 elite athletes and over 25,000 recreational runners who ran at the main event in Nairobi, as well as at satellite runs in Kakamega, Mombasa and Kisumu.

The 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon brought record-breaking excitement and participation to the streets of Nairobi, with Ronald Kurgat and Gladys Chemutai claiming victory in the men’s and women’s 42km races, respectively. Vincent Mutai triumphed in the men’s 21km race, while Gladys Koech conquered the women’s 21km category.

This year’s marathon saw a remarkable turnout, drawing over 25,000 runners representing more than 90 nationalities, making it the most attended in the event’s history. Notably, the number of elite athletes surged to 206, marking an impressive 180% increase from last year’s 73. In a move toward greater inclusivity, participation of persons with disabilities rose significantly, with 153 athletes competing in the 2024 event, up from 119 in 2023.

The 10km race proved the most popular, attracting 10,331 participants, a notable rise from last year’s 9,405. Representing the top five nationalities at the event were Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, China, and India.

The marathon included six unique race categories: the 42km men and women’s races, 21km men and women’s races, 10km men and women’s races, 21km wheelchair men and women’s races, the 5km Family Fun Run, and the Corporate Relay Challenge.

Peter Gitau, Chairman of the Nairobi Marathon Local Organising Committee, praised the event’s inclusivity and sustainability. “The 21st edition has been incredible,” he remarked,

“with an impressive increase in both elite runners and general participants. With the support of over 40 sponsors, we’ve delivered an exceptional experience. This year, we committed to making the marathon inclusive and sustainable, partnering with Kiss Kids to provide nursing stations for parents along the route and at the venue.”

Beyond the excitement of race day, the marathon also holds a powerful mission. Proceeds from the event go to Futuremakers, a Standard Chartered initiative promoting economic inclusion for disadvantaged Kenyan youth. The marathon’s impact extends beyond the track as it supports education, employability, and entrepreneurship for young people, especially women and those with disabilities.

In partnership with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), the event upheld rigorous standards, conducting doping tests for top finishers in the 42km, 21km, 10km, and wheelchair races to maintain credibility.

Having earned the prestigious World Athletics Road Race Label in collaboration with Athletics Kenya, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon now positions runners to compete at their highest level and earn global rankings. All participants received tree seedlings to plant, furthering the event’s commitment to sustainability.

As Gitau noted,

“This marathon is not just about running; it’s a transformative event for Kenya, impacting lives through economic empowerment, especially for young people.”

The marathon concluded as a testament to athletic excellence, inclusivity, and sustainable change, with the 21-year tradition continuing to inspire the next generation of Kenyan runners and changemakers alike.