New Winners at Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon saw Kenya’s Bernard Chepkwony and Hellen Chepkorir triumph in the men’s and women’s 42km individual races clocking 2:11:01 and 2:27:17 respectively.

Joshua Kithuku and Fridah Rerimoi won the 21km race in men and women category in 1:02:35 and 1:14:23 times.

Elsewhere Shadrack Musyoka and Nelvin Jepkemboi won the 10km marathon clocked 29:01 and 33:04 respectively.

Athletes John Wambua and Mary Tatu Jared won the men and women 21km wheelchair race in 1:29:25 and 1:49:47 respectively.

This year’s Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has raised Ksh76 million for community programmes, the biggest amount raised from an annual one-day event in Kenya.

To date, the event has raised over Ksh0.925 billion for charity as this year’s event attracted a record number of participants, with 30,602 runners from 92 nationalities and saw an increase of participants across all the races.

Over 200 elite athletes competed, representing a diverse pool of talent from Kenya and across the region while participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) increased to 184 from 146 last year (2024).

The 10km race had the highest number of participants rising to 12,855 from 10,276 in 2024. The top five (5) nationalities that participated in 2025 include Kenya, followed by Uganda, Tanzania, China, United States and United Kingdom.

This year’s Marathon featured six distinct race categories: 42km men and women, 21km men and women, 10km men and women, 21km wheelchair men and women, the 5km Family Fun Run, and the Corporate Relay Challenge.

**Bernard Chepkwony and Hellen Chepkorir receive their trophies from Kariuki Ngari, managing director and chief executive officer Kenya and Africa. (Photo/ Courtesy)**

Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Kariuki Ngari, managing director and chief executive officer Kenya and Africa, said the competition marked by a significant rise in elite runners, sponsors, and overall participation.

“The 22nd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has been remarkable, marked by a significant rise in elite runners, sponsors, and overall participation.”

“With the backing of over 40 sponsors and partners, we successfully delivered an exceptional experience for all participants. This year, our focus was on hosting an inclusive and sustainable event.”

“Through our partners we have once again supported this commitment by providing mothers’ rooms and nursing stations along the route and at the venue, ensuring comfort for parents and their children throughout the marathon.”

Standard Chartered partnered with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) to ensure results are credible through doping tests conducted on the top finishers in the 42km, 21km, 10km, and wheelchair race categories.

“The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon goes beyond the race itself, for the past 22 years, its true impact has been reflected in how marathon proceeds which now amount to Ksh0.925billion have transformed the lives of Kenyans.”

Additionally, beyond mainstreaming inclusion in sports, this year’s marathon has injected Ksh229 million to the national economy.

In collaboration with Athletics Kenya, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon secured the prestigious World Athletics Road Race Label in 2023.

This means that runners can compete at their best and be ranked against other elite athletes globally.

All proceeds from the marathon go towards the Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers community initiative that empowers the next generation to learn, earn and grow, by focusing on education, employability and entrepreneurship.

Future makers focuses on empowering youth, particularly women and persons with disabilities to gain new skills and expertise to improve their chances of getting a job or starting their own business.