By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
27th September 2026 | Nairobi
More than 1,000 runners took to the trails of Karura Forest on Sunday for the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race, one of the warm-up events ahead of the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, scheduled for October 25 at Uhuru Gardens.
The event featured 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km races, bringing together runners, families and the wider community for a day that combined sport, fitness and environmental conservation.
The races were followed by a family-friendly celebration and a Berlin Marathon watch party at Amani Gardens.
The Friends of Karura Anniversary Race is part of a series of warm-up events supported by Standard Chartered, giving runners an opportunity to prepare for this year’s Nairobi Marathon.
The main marathon is expected to attract more than 30,000 participants from 102 nationalities, including more than 400 elite athletes.
«“The warm-up races are an important part of the journey towards the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, giving runners an opportunity to test their preparation, build confidence and connect with fellow participants ahead of the main race,” said Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa.»
Kibe said the strong turnout at Karura demonstrated how running can bring together families and communities while supporting environmental conservation.
Peter Njui, Operations Manager, Friends of Karura Anniversary Race, said the organisers valued the long-standing partnership with Standard Chartered and its support for the running community.
«“The warm-up races give runners an opportunity to prepare for the marathon while bringing people together around causes that matter to our communities,” Njui said.»
He added that the event was also an opportunity to celebrate Karura Forest and the continued work with the Kenya Forest Service to protect and preserve the important green space.
The 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will feature athletes from countries including Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Brazil and Ethiopia, highlighting the event’s international appeal.
Since its inception, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has attracted more than 345,000 participants and raised approximately KES520 million for programmes supported through the Standard Chartered Foundation.
The programmes focus on employability, entrepreneurship and skills development for young people, women and people with disabilities.
The 23rd edition has secured a record combined sponsorship of KES273 million, with Standard Chartered committing KES130 million and other sponsors contributing a further KES143 million in cash and in-kind support.
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon will be held on October 25, 2026, at Uhuru Gardens, with more than 30,000 runners from 102 nationalities expected to participate alongside more than 400 elite athletes.
