The 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon witnessed an impressive display of athleticism and determination as Alphonce Kigen and Evaline Chirchir emerged victorious in the 42 Kilometers individual men and women categories, respectively.
This prestigious event, which took place on the 29th of October, featured a diverse group of participants, including elite athletes, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and recreational runners, all contributing to the grand total of 22,000 participants.
The marathon, held under the banner of Standard Chartered Bank, commenced and concluded at Uhuru Gardens, Langata Road, providing runners with a breathtaking route along the Southern bypass, offering panoramic views of the Nairobi National Park.
The event featured six race categories: 42km for both men and women, 21km for men and women, 10km for men and women, 21km wheelchair races for men and women, a 5km Family Fun Run race, and the Corporate Relay Challenge.
In the fiercely contested 10km race category for men, Stanley Njihia Kamau secured the top position with an impressive time of 28 minutes and 36 seconds, followed closely by Shadrack Musyoka (29 minutes and 2 seconds) and Evans Mayaka (29 minutes and 5 seconds).
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In the women's 10km category, Loise Chemnung emerged as the winner with a time of 31 minutes and 54 seconds, with Gladys Chepkurui (32 minutes and 13 seconds) and Betty Sigei (33 minutes and 23 seconds) claiming the second and third positions, respectively.
The 21km race category saw Justus Kiprop lead the men with a remarkable time of 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 39 seconds, closely followed by Jackson Kipleting (1 hour, 2 minutes, and 43 seconds) and Asbel Kiplimo (1 hour, 3 minutes, and 2 seconds).
In the women's 21km category, Jacqueline Chelal clinched the victory with a time of 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 18 seconds, while Edith Jepchumba (1 hour, 11 minutes, and 56 seconds) and Nancy Jepleting (1 hour, 12 minutes, and 18 seconds) secured the second and third positions.
The 21km wheelchair race category featured male winner Odiyo Henry Caleb (1 hour, 32 minutes, and 21 seconds) and female winner Alar Rachel Akoth (2 hours, 2 minutes, and 35 seconds), who demonstrated remarkable determination and skill.
In the highly anticipated 42km race category, Alphonce Kigen took the top spot with a superb time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 18 seconds, closely followed by Moses Mwangi (2 hours, 10 minutes, and 26 seconds) and Lameck Kibiwot (2 hours, 11 minutes).
In the women's 42km category, Evaline Chirchir emerged as the winner with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 31 seconds, while Aurelia Jerotich (2 hours, 26 minutes, and 49 seconds) and Sheila Chepkech (2 hours, 27 minutes, and 16 seconds) secured the second and third positions.
The Corporate Relay Challenge was won by KDF (1) with a team comprised of Cornelius Korir (30 minutes and 43 seconds), Barton Melly (31 minutes and 41 seconds), Moses Kemboi (32 minutes and 6 seconds), and Denis Kilee (32 minutes and 6 seconds).
At the conclusion of the marathon, Peter Gitau, Chairman of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon Local Organizing Committee, expressed his appreciation for the milestone achieved.
"This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this incredible marathon. Over the past two decades, we have witnessed an amazing journey of growth, and I am honoured to be a part of this celebration," Gitau stated.
Gitau emphasized the event's larger purpose, saying, "Our marathon is not just about running; it's about making a real difference in the lives of those who need it the most."
Furthermore, the partnership with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) ensured that the results of the marathon were credible.
Additionally, every participant received a tree seedling to plant at a location of their choice through the marathon's 'one tree per runner' initiative.
All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to Standard Chartered Bank's 'Future Makers' initiative, aimed at empowering disadvantaged young people, particularly girls and persons with disabilities, to acquire new skills and expertise for a brighter future through education, employability, and entrepreneurship.
The table below shows the cash prizes winners received in each category: