AK Gives Nod for Mombasa Mega Marathon

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Athletics Kenya has approved Mombasa County hosting the Mombasa Mega Marathon on August 16, 2026.

The event will now be held annually.

Speaking during the launch, AK senior vice-president Paul Mutwii said the federation was excited to bring back the race to the Coast.

“Athletics Kenya is very happy that Mombasa will stage a national marathon like it used to before,” he said.

According to technical official James Mwaringa the 42km elite race will start at Mama Ngina Drive, proceed through Kenya Ports Authority and Fort Jesus via Nkrumah Road, pass Treasury Square and Mombasa Golf Club, before finishing at Mama Ngina grounds.

Other categories will include 21km, 10km and 5km races. A 5km fun run will also be open to residents.

**AK Technical official James Mwaringa addressing Media. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)**

Mombasa Mega Marathon ambassador Omar Said said preparations are complete and all participants would undergo doping tests before competing.

“We have already registered over 1,000 participants who will take part in different categories of races,” he said.

The event’s main sponsor, Mombasa Maize Millers, has injected Ksh5 million into the marathon.

Mombasa deputy governor Francis Thoya expressed delight that the city would host the race again since 2012.

“Last time Mombasa hosted the marathon was in 2012, and we are happy the competition is back,” he said.

**Mombasa Mega Marathon ambassador Omar Said hands over a dammy cheque to AK officials. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)**

“We are inviting many Kenyans to turn up in large numbers as preparation is complete.”

The DG added that the county was in the process of setting up a low-altitude training camp for local athletes and said the marathon’s theme is to heighten the campaign against drugs and substance abuse.