There are several Marathons in Kenya that happen every year, among other long distance races. After all Athletics is the most popular sport here, alongside football and rugby.
Show us any long-distance running event and we will tell you the Kenyans who won that event, sometimes a record number of times and in record time.
In 2018, Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge broke the world record at the Berlin Marathon by running it within 2 hrs 1 min 39 s, a record that was previously held by another Kenyan Dennis Kimetto (2.02. 57) set in 2014, who in turn had broken the record of another Kenyan Wilson Kipsang (2.03.23) who had broken the record set by another Kenyan Patrick Makau (2.03.38).
Then Eliud Kipchoge became the first person in history to run a marathon in under 2 hours, clocking 1h 59 s 40 minisec at Ineos challenge marathon in Vienna on 12th October 2019.
Annual Marathons in Kenya
Here are the 10 must attend marathons in Kenya every year, for both professional athletes and family fun runs which are not competitive. The order of numbering does not show any rank in terms of importance.
These are the dates for marathons in Kenya in 2025.
Lewa Conservancy Safari Marathon 2025
Edition: 25th
Date: 28th June 2025
Place: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
This is one of the most breathtaking marathons in Kenya which attracts participants from across the world. Runners are allowed to savour the wildlife in the conservancy during the run. There are categories for elite and amateur runners as well as family runs. The elite running category is competitive just like any other world marathon event. The marathon also acts as a fundraising event for wildlife conservation, dubbed Tusk’s Marathon and Half Marathon. This year it will be sponsored by telecommunication giant Safaricom.
To learn more and register, click TO REGISTER CLICK HERE
Ndakaini Half Marathon 2025
Edition:
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Place: Ndakaini Dam in Murang’a county
The Ndakaini Half Marathon 2025 returns after a three year break. The marathon has been sponsored by UAP Old Mutual Insurance since its inception in 2004 but the organisers had to find a new sponsor for the subsequent editions, a task that proved challenging. The amazing greenery and dam view around which the course runs is a major attraction for people of all ages and races. The dam is at the foot of the Aberdares mountain ranges about 70km from Nairobi. The fun filled event has categories for children, men and women, elite runners and amateurs, as well as corporates. It also serves as an avenue for fundraising for tree planting and dam conservation. To catch on the latest and registration, visit their website HERE.
Kakamega Forest Marathon 2025
Edition: 11th
Date: Happens every last Saturday of November
Place: Kakamega Rain Forest in Shinyalu constituency
Kakamega Forest Marathon, dubbed Ingo Marathon takes one through the only surviving rainforest in Kenya, about 400km west of Nairobi. towards the end of every year. The race includes both the 42km full marathon and the 21km half marathon. Other attractions include the bicycle challenge where cyclists use ungeared bicycles popularly known as the black mamba. Children and families can compete in the Toto challenge for ages 7 – 10 years. Like all other nature-based races, the marathon works towards the conservation of the endangered rainforest that borders the magnificent Kakamega town. Participants are also treated to a prerace bullfighting event, a popular cultural practice among the Isukha people as well as isukuti dance. For more information on how you can participate, visit the organiser’s website HERE.
Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2025
Edition: 22nd
Date: Sunday October 26, 2025
Place: Nairobi City
If you are unable to get to participate in the countryside events, the Nairobi International Marathon which has been sponsored by the Standard Chartered Bank for a long time would be a good option. One of Africa’s busiest cities takes a break on this Sunday for one of the most popular events on athletics calendar. Apart from the 42km main race, there is the 21km half marathon, a 10km race and a 5km race. There is also a wheelchair half marathon and a family run in which amateur and corporate competitors can take part. The marathon now attracts more than 22,000 participants. For registration details, visit the event website HERE.
Nairobi City Marathon 2025
Edition: 4th
Date: Sunday 6 July 2025
Place: Nairobi City
Now do not get confused here. The Nairobi City Marathon and the Standard Chartred Marathon are two different events. The Nairobi City marathon that has the backing of the Kenyan government is one of the most exciting events you can ever participate in. It is open to both professional athletes and family fun runners. Experience the beauty of the ‘Green City in the Sun’ while running on the magnificent Nairobi Expressway. Bring your friends, family and colleagues to participate in the Fun Run race. Registration details HERE.
Mwea Classic Half Marathon
Edition:
Date: Every first Saturday of September (THIS YEAR’S EVENT YET TO BE CONFIRMED)
Place: Mwea Irrigation Scheme
The Mwea Half Marathon is still growing in its popularity in the rice growing fields of Mwea, in Kirinyaga county just about 150km from Nairobi. This may the perfect race for you if you are just getting into marathons as the course is flat and scenic, at the foot of the majestic Mount Kenya. Apart from the 21km race, there are 10km and 5km races as well as family and corporate races. For information on how you can participate, visit the website HERE.
Kisumu City Marathon 2025
Edition: 11th
Date: Saturday, September 7
Place: Kenyatta Sports Ground, Kisumu
Kisumu City Marathon is among events in the Safaricom Athletics Series. Happening in Kenya’s third largest city on the shores of Lake Victoria, this is one marathon you do not want to miss. It is the biggest sporting event in the lakeside city taking place annually. The temperatures here are also high so you would want to adapt before taking part. For more information on how to take part, keep it here for updates. The date for this year’s marathon is yet to be confirmed. The event normally happens in early December. Keep it here for more information.
This list is not exhaustive of all marathons and half marathons that happen in Kenya. You can read about road races and other running competitions you can take part in on this platform.
Standard Chartered Marathon Kisumu 2025
Edition: 4th
Date: To be confirmed. Normally held in October before the Nairobi Marathon
Place: Kisumu
The Standard Chartered Marathon Kisumu is a satellite run of the StanChart Nairobi Marathon. It brings participants to the Lakeside City for a vibrant display of community spirit. The Kisumu marathon not only showcases Kisumu’s growing prominence in hosting large-scale sporting events but also highlights the significance of the StanChart Marathon in promoting health, fitness, and social impact through its global reach and charitable initiatives. It is supported by the County Government and is not open for professional athletes.
Standard Chartered Marathon Kakamega 2025
Edition: 4th
Date: To be confirmed. Normally held in October before the Nairobi Marathon
Place: Kakamega
The Standard Chartered Marathon Kakamega is a satellite run of the StanChart Nairobi Marathon. It brings participants to the rainforest town of Kakamega for a vibrant display of community spirit. The Stanchart Kakamega marathon not only showcases Kakamega’s growing prominence in hosting large-scale sporting events but also highlights the significance of the StanChart Marathon in promoting health, fitness, and social impact through its global reach and charitable initiatives. It is supported by the County Government and is not open for professional athletes.
Standard Chartered Marathon Mombasa 2025
Edition: 4th
Date: To be confirmed. Normally held in October before the Nairobi Marathon
Place: Mombasa
The Standard Chartered Marathon Mombasa is a satellite run of the StanChart Nairobi Marathon. It brings participants to the coastal and touristic city of Mombasa for a vibrant display of community spirit. The Stanchart Mombasa marathon not only showcases Mombasa’s growing prominence in hosting large-scale sporting events but also highlights the significance of the StanChart Marathon in promoting health, fitness, and social impact through its global reach and charitable initiatives. It is supported by the County Government and is not open for professional athletes.
Defunct Marathons (Marathons that are No Longer Alive)
Kass International Marathon 2025
Edition: 12 editions held
Date: To be confirmed. Used to be held in November or December
Place: Kapsabet – Eldoret road
The Kass Marathon used to happen in the heart of the home of champions, taking you from the town of Kapsabet town and finishing in Eldoret, about 300 kilometres west of Nairobi. It was one of the most competitive marathons for elite runners as many use it for entry into international stardom. Kapsabet and Eldoret are high altitude areas where big names train before conquering the world, including the likes of Mo Farah. In 2019, the 21km race was introduced to add to the traditional categories of 5km, 10km, and 42km. The 5km race was for families, corporates, and children.
Mombasa International Marathon 2025
Edition: 36th
Date: Sunday, September 22
Place: Mombasa City
Mombasa is a renowned tourist destination for both locals and foreigners. It is a city close to historical sites such as the Gede ruins in Malindi, and Fort Jesus in Old Town. Apparently, this is one of the oldest marathons in Kenya. This event offers an opportunity to take part in a marathon at the fringes of the Indian Ocean, where you can bask afterwards on the sandy beaches after a run along the long Nyali bridge that gives you a clear view of the Indian Ocean. The temperatures here are quite high, hitting up to 29 degrees Celcius in September when the marathon happens, so you have to be adaptable. The event has been sponsored by Safaricom for the last 11 years and this year might be no different. Keep it here for registration details.
