Registration for the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon (SCNM) is officially open to local, international and elite runners, with the organiser encouraging early sign-ups as several categories are expected to fill faster than in previous years.
Building on the 2025 edition, which attracted 30,602 participants from 98 nationalities including more than 200 elite athletes, this year’s event is targeting more than 30,000 participants.
The marathon, among Africa’s biggest road races, has introduced a new registration platform designed to make the registration process faster and easier for participants. The upgraded website offers a more user-friendly experience, with detailed information on race categories, fees, eligibility requirements and event schedules. Participants will also have access to interactive route maps, training tips, fundraising tools and regular race updates.
The registration portal will provide real-time updates on category availability and key marathon announcements throughout the registration period, helping local and international runners plan with greater ease. Interest in the race continues to grow, with last year’s international field reaching 1,791 participants led by Uganda and Tanzania, while elite participation exceeded 200 athletes.
“This year’s marathon reflects the progress we are making in strengthening the participant experience and aligning the event with international standards. The upgraded registration portal is a key part of that journey, making it easier for runners to access information, register efficiently and prepare for race day. It also supports the marathon’s continued accreditation ambitions by providing a more seamless and credible registration process for local, regional and international participants,” David Mwindi, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee said.
This year’s marathon will feature eight categories: 42km Marathon, 21km Half Marathon, 10km Race, 21km Wheelchair Race, 5km Family Fun Run, CEO Challenge and Mombasa Satellite Run. Registration fees are Ksh2,500 for individual runners and Ksh20,000 for the CEO Challenge.
Last year’s 10km race attracted the highest number of participants at 12,855 runners. Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, China, the United States and the United Kingdom were among the top participating nationalities. The 42km race continued to attract local elite and international runners, while over 250 runners with disabilities participated. Gen Z and Millennials formed most runners at 13,555 and 12,615.
For more than two decades, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has grown beyond a sporting event into a platform for social impact. The marathon has raised approximately KES 520 million to support programmes focused on employability, entrepreneurship and skills development for young people, women and persons with disabilities through the Standard Chartered Foundation.
This year, the marathon aims to raise Ksh75 million for the Standard Chartered Foundation.
Register here for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.
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