Oyengo, Kipsoi win Mombasa Standard Chartered Satellite Run, Ahead of Nairobi Marathon Showpiece
Elisha Kipsoi, 21km race winner displays his medal at the Standard chartered Mombasa Satellite Half-Marathon in Mombasa. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The coastal heat was not enough to stop Elizabeth Oyengo and Elisha Kipsoi from delivering blistering performances as they dominated the 21 kilometre women’s and men’s categories respectively during the Standard Chartered half-marathon satellite run.
Held at the scenic Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa County on October 19, 2025, the event drew over 700 spirited participants from Kenya’s Coastal region giving them a chance to race for Kenya’s biggest single-day sporting event without the long trip to Nairobi.
Part of the build-up to the highly anticipated 22nd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon set for Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Mombasa Satellite Run offered a slice of the big city marathon magic complete with chip timing and official race records.
Participants took part in three race categories which are the five kilometre family fun run, the 10km, and the highly competitive 21km race which featured athletes from the entire coastal counties.
“I’m excited that to have achieved my personal best time ever, which marks a big improvement for me. I’ve been training hard and look forward to participating in major races in the coming years,” said an elated Kipsoi after crossing the line first in the men’s half-marathon.
Runners in the 21km category battled it out along a scenic yet demanding course, starting from Mama Ngina Waterfront, passing through Fontanella roundabout and the intersection of Moi Avenue and Mogadishu Road, before looping back to the finish.
The shorter 5km and 10km races turned around at Docks Roundabout, offering something for everyone from elite athletes to weekend warriors and fun runners.
The satellite run concept, born during the COVID-19 pandemic, has since evolved into a nationwide celebration of fitness and inclusion.
According to David Mwindi, chairperson of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon local organising committee, the event is significant in keeping fit and creating customer relationship.
“The inclusion of satellite races reflects our commitment to promoting accessible fitness and sporting opportunities across the country. Each year, we have seen an increase in participation, motivating us to continue hosting these community-driven events,” he said.
This year’s Nairobi Marathon is poised to break records not just on the track, but also on impact.
With more than 30,000 runners from 92 countries registered, up from 27,000 last year, and support from over 39 sponsors, the event has raised a record-breaking Ksh229 million up 32% from 2024.
The funds fuel the Futuremakers initiative, which equips youth particularly women and persons with disabilities with skills to learn, earn, and grow, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
The marathon’s 2025 goal? Raise Ksh75 million for Futuremakers building on the Ksh48 million collected in 2024 and expand the Ksh133 million employability programme launched last year.
With just a week to go, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is shaping up to be not only a showcase of elite athleticism but a powerful engine for social change.
And with rising stars like Oyengo and Kipsoi making headlines in satellite runs, the road to Uhuru Gardens just got a lot more exciting with their future dreams at stake.
