In preparation for the 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, significant roads in the city are scheduled to be temporarily closed this Sunday, as athletes take to the streets for this iconic event.
A total of 22,000 people have registered for the marathon.
Key Numbers and Road Closures for the Marathon
Peter Gitau, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee, announced Wednesday from the turnout, 1,013 participants will field in the full marathon (42 kilometres), 6.500 in half marathon (21km), 9,500 in 10 km and 4,470 in 5km.
“We had targeted 25,000 participants but we are still happy to have netted 22,000 when we closed entries on Sunday,” said Gitau, adding that they are pleased to lure an elite field of 300 for the full marathon down from 200 last year.
“What is encouraging is that 45 percent of the entries are women down from 25 percent and this sends a strong message of our desire for equality,” explained Gitau, noting that 75 percent was due to the drive by the corporate to encourage their staff to register.
Traffic commandant Mary Kiarie announced the road closures during a media briefing on Wednesday, confirming that the Southern bypass and a section of Mombasa Road near Ole Sereni via the Southern bypass would be affected.
She stated, “We will be closing the Southern Bypass entrance and exit because it will be used for the Standard Chartered Marathon, and this closure will be in effect from 11 PM on Saturday.”
Motorists seeking alternative routes can utilize Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, Uhuru Highway, Langata Road, Enterprise Road, and Dagoretti Road.
Peter Gitau, Chairperson of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, assured the public that the road closures are essential to ensure a seamless experience for the participants in this annual competition.
All Systems Go for the 20th Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon
He emphasized, “As we prepare for the event on the 29th, I would like to give you the assurance that it is all systems go. Athletics Kenya has collaborated on the route, and we’ve received valuable input from running clubs to provide a top-notch experience for our runners.”
The 20th Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon has attracted a substantial number of participants, totaling over twenty-two thousand athletes.
Among the notable entrants are long-distance marathon runner Wilson Kiprop, African U20 Championships Silver medallist Fredrick Kiptoo, and World Athletics registered athlete Faith Kimutai, among others.
Race Schedule
The race schedule commences at 5:45 AM on Sunday at the Southern Bypass near Carnivore with the 21km wheelchair race.
Subsequently, the 42km Marathon and Corporate Challenge will commence at 6 AM, followed closely by the 21km Half Marathon and the 10km Run, which start at 6:45 AM and 8 AM, respectively. The day’s festivities culminate with a family-friendly 5km Family Fun Run set to kick off at 9:30 AM.
