Enock Kipkemboi and Joy Kemuma were crowned champions of the fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday after overcoming cold conditions and a tough course to win the men’s and women’s 42km races, respectively.
Kipkemboi delivered a dominant performance, storming to victory in a personal best time of 2:09:33, improving his previous mark by more than two minutes. The win marked his second marathon title in a row, following his triumph at the Huai’an Marathon in China in April, where he clocked 2:11:44.
The Iten-based athlete said he was delighted with the result after a difficult season that included disappointment at the Eldoret City Marathon.
“I’m so excited to win this year’s edition. I had prepared well after a disappointing outing in the Eldoret City Marathon and I thank God everything went on smoothly today,” said Kipkemboi.
The 25-year-old had suffered heartbreak last year in Eldoret when he collapsed at the 40km mark, but he made a strong comeback in Nairobi. He broke away from the leading pack at the 27km mark and maintained his lead to the finish.
Ronald Kwambai finished second in 2:09:51, while Shadrack Kenduiywo took third in 2:09:55 after a closely fought sprint for the podium places.
In the women’s race, Joy Kemuma produced a strong and composed performance to win in 2:17:43. The 38-year-old Kapsabet-based runner improved significantly from her fifth-place finish at the Eldoret City Marathon, where she clocked 2:32:24.
An emotional Kemuma credited her preparation and lessons from previous races for the victory.
“I’m happy to win today’s race. I had prepared well for the race and I’m elated that I emerged the winner,” she said.
She added that her participation in Eldoret had boosted her confidence ahead of Nairobi.
“I ran in the Eldoret City Marathon and today I came back to try my luck to see if I could be on the podium. My body responded well and I’m happy I won the race.”
It was only her second appearance at the Nairobi City Marathon, having finished 13th in the 2025 edition.
In the half marathon, Brian Kogo dominated the men’s race, winning in 1:00:55 ahead of John Kiprop Lagat (1:01:10) and Lampard Mutuku (1:01:32).
Doreen Cherop Kibet took the women’s half marathon title in 1:09:19, with Sylvia Chengewo and Sharon Cherotich completing the podium.
The event attracted about 17,500 athletes from 75 countries, with runners also enjoying sections of the Nairobi Expressway route.
The prize structure saw second and third-place finishers in the full marathon earn KSh2.25 million and KSh1.5 million respectively, while half marathon winners took home KSh150,000. Runners-up and third-place finishers earned KSh80,000 and KSh50,000.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya praised the organisers, saying the event plays a key role in nurturing talent.
“Kenya is a hub for marathoners and this event is very important in nurturing talent. I want to congratulate all those who participated in the race. As a ministry, we will continue supporting these events to ensure we continue nurturing and producing future global stars like Sawe,” he said, referring to marathoner Sabastian Sawe.
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