🇰🇪Nairobi, Kenya
Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon
Oct 25, 2026
Distance
42.2 km
Elevation gain
420 m
Terrain
Road
Entry type
Open entry
PB potential
Extremely challenging — focus on finishing, not a PB
Beginner friendly
Better suited to experienced runners
About this race
Running in Nairobi is running in the spiritual home of marathon greatness — this city has produced more marathon world records than any other. The irony is that Nairobi's own marathon, at 1,795m altitude, is a demanding experience for unacclimatised runners rather than a PB opportunity. The course through Uhuru Park, the Central Business District, and Karura Forest is genuinely interesting — running through Africa's greenest capital city with its jacaranda-lined streets and colonial-era buildings. The 420m of elevation at high altitude requires significant preparation. But for runners seeking an authentic African marathon experience, the connection to Kenyan running culture, the chance to run where Kipchoge trains, and the immense warmth of Nairobi's crowd make this a profoundly memorable race.
Typical race-day weather
Temperature
14–22°C
Humidity
50–65%
Conditions
Nairobi's altitude means cooler temperatures despite equatorial location
Wind
Light, 5–15 km/h
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