Humanoid robot ‘Jay Tron’ runs 5km at Nairobi City Marathon in historic first for Africa
A humanoid AI robot identified as “Jay Tron” joined runners in the 5km race of the Nairobi City Marathon, drawing excitement and marking a rare blend of.
Humanoid AI robot “Jay Tron” joined runners in the 5km Nairobi City Marathon, drawing crowds and showcasing a rare fusion of sport and emerging technology. (Photo: Screengrab)
A humanoid artificial intelligence robot wearing race bib number 17229 joined participants in the 5km race of the Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday, marking a rare blend of sport and emerging technology at one of Kenya’s major road racing events.
The 5km race began at 11 am, following the earlier 42 km, 21 km and 10 km categories in the fifth edition of the marathon. The robot, identified as “Jay Tron,” competed alongside family fun runners in the final event of the day.
Organisers said the inclusion of the AI-powered humanoid was meant to offer participants a unique experience while sparking wider conversations about the role of technology in society. The robot’s appearance drew significant excitement in the Nairobi CBD, where crowds gathered to get a closer look. Some athletes posed for photos with the machine, while others expressed amazement at seeing a robot participate in a major sporting event.
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According to organisers, the demonstration reflects a growing global trend of testing humanoid robots in real-world endurance settings such as road races and marathons. In recent years, similar experiments have been carried out in countries such as China, where humanoid robots have taken part in organised long-distance running events alongside human athletes to test mobility, balance, endurance and real-world adaptability.
Unlike controlled laboratory environments, marathon races provide unpredictable conditions such as uneven terrain, crowd movement and changing pace, making them useful testing grounds for robotics development. Engineers in such trials often monitor performance factors including battery efficiency, joint stability and navigation systems.
Nairobi City Marathon race director Barnaba Korir said the presence of humanoid technology at the event was meant to attract interest and reflect broader global innovation trends.
“It’s interesting, and it’s happening in Africa for the first time, so everyone is excited to see how it will turn out. But it shows that the world is developing, and that this is now happening right here at home,” said Korir.
The robot’s participation added a futuristic dimension to the event, with runners and spectators in the 5km category witnessing an unusual sight as the machine moved alongside human participants.