Eliud Magut and Cynthia Limo Jerotich clinched victory at the Nairobi City Marathon, each earning Ksh 3.5 million in a thrilling competition that showcased Kenya’s prominence in long-distance running.
The marathon, which attracted over 15,000 athletes from 40 countries, reaffirmed its place as a premier event on the global marathon circuit.
The Nairobi City Marathon, now in its third edition, saw a record turnout of over 15,000 runners competing on the iconic Nairobi Expressway. With athletes from more than 40 countries, the event further bolstered Kenya’s reputation as a hub for long-distance running excellence. Eliud Magut emerged as the champion in the men’s 42km race, finishing with a time of 2:09:47, while Cynthia Limo Jerotich triumphed in the women’s category, crossing the line in 2:28:02. Each secured a prize of KES 3.5 million.
Second and third-place finishers received KES 2.25 million and KES 1.5 million, respectively, with cash prizes extended to the top 20 athletes in the full marathon category. The half-marathon (21km) saw Robert Kiprop and Marion Kibor win in the men’s and women’s divisions, earning KES 150,000 each. Winners of the 10km race took home KES 100,000.
The event also featured prominent government figures, including Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Peter Tum, who participated in the 10km race, finishing in impressive times of 57 and 54 minutes, respectively. “The presence of athletes from over 40 countries, alongside Kenyans running for both fun and competition, showcases the growing allure of this event,” Murkomen stated.
Murkomen praised the event’s success and highlighted its alignment with the Talanta Hela initiative, a government program aimed at nurturing and monetizing Kenyan talent, particularly in sports. “The Nairobi City Marathon is not just a celebration of athletic excellence; it’s a testament to our commitment to creating more opportunities for our athletes to thrive both locally and globally,” he added.
He also tied the marathon’s success to broader environmental goals, linking the event to President William Ruto’s 15 billion tree initiative. “Today’s tree-planting initiative demonstrates our commitment to sports for climate action. By promoting environmental sustainability, we celebrate Kenya’s rich athletic heritage,” Murkomen noted.
Addressing the persistent issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in sports, Murkomen affirmed that the government would soon implement the recommendations of the Ndereba committee, established to address these concerns. “In the coming days, we will take decisive action to combat GBV in sports, guided by the Ndereba committee’s recommendations, to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all athletes,” he emphasized.
He also reiterated the government’s focus on enhancing sports infrastructure, with ongoing renovations at the Nyayo National Stadium aimed at meeting international standards. “We are committed to providing the best possible conditions for both training and competition,” Murkomen assured.
