2026 – 2027Kenya Marathon & Race Calendar

Many premier annual events on this calendar run yearly and are heavily searched year-round by runners planning their training seasons. To help you plan ahead, we keep these major event profiles active even during transition windows. If a future tentative date is shown, it represents an estimated recurrence based on historical scheduling patterns - not an official confirmation. Once a current edition wraps, we add a completion note to the listing so you always know where in the cycle an event sits. Official race dates, updated route maps, and finalised entry fees are typically locked in by race directors 3-6 months before day zero. We audit and refresh each individual listing the moment the organising committee releases official announcements. For runner safety and travel logistics, we always recommend verifying final details via the official registration link provided on the event page before booking accommodations.

July 2026 is a packed month. It opens with the Kilifi Annual Charity Run at McEwan Stadium on July 4th (5km–42km, from KES 1,000), the TEAU Half Marathon at The East African University Kitengela on July 4th (5km/10km/21km, KES 2,500), and the Hillpark 40km Relay Challenge in Upper Hill on July 4th (KES 15,000 per team of 10). July 11th brings three events at once: the No Finish Line Nairobi 100-hour charity run at Kasarani (running through July 15th, KES 2,000), the RunFit Ridgeways Weekend Run at Oak Place (10km–30km, KES 1,300–1,900), and the Kaptagat Forest Marathon in Uasin Gishu (5km–42km, from KES 50). Later in the month: DO. IT. Run at Saitoti's Butchery Karen on July 11th (10km/16km, KES 3,333, sold out), Mama Ibado Charity Run for Seniors at Karura Forest on July 18th (5km–15km, KES 2,500), Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon on July 18th (5km/21km, early bird from KES 2,000), Sweater Weather Run in Limuru on July 25th (KES 3,450, sold out), Nairobi Women's Run at Radix Hotel Karen on July 25th (5km–21km, KES 2,500), USIU-Africa Half Marathon on July 26th (10km/21km, from KES 1,500 for USIU students), and the GPO-Limuru 50km Ultramarathon via Kiambu on July 26th (KES 2,000).

August 2026 opens with the CAMFEB Breastfeeding Run at The Waterfront Karen on August 1st (5km/10km/21km, KES 2,500), CAMFEB's 5th annual advocacy run held during World Breastfeeding Week. It continues with the Mountain Madness Ultra at Maiella Primary School Naivasha on August 2nd (14.5km–52km, from KES 2,000), Neon Run Nairobi on August 8th (KES 2,500), Jangwani Ultra Savage Trail Run in Sagana on August 8th (10km–30km, from KES 6,350), Flock It Elementaita Run on August 16th, Coffee Run 2026 - The Blend at Ngong Forest on August 23rd (10km/15km, KES 2,500), the 4:21 Team Trek Challenge at Ngong Hills on August 29th (KES 15,800 per team of 4), and the hAVoc TRaiLS Challenge at Lake Naivasha on August 29th (3km–30km, KES 2,800).

The rest of 2026 includes: Nairobi Beer Mile on September 5th (KES 2,500–3,000), September PROST8 Walkathon virtual challenge throughout September (KES 2,500), Enchilai Run for the Mind at The Hub Karen on September 19th (KES 1,500–2,000), 40+ Veterun in Nairobi on September 26th (KES 2,900), Nyarington Runner's Challenge in Nyari on October 10th (KES 2,999), Amazing Maasai Marathon in Loldaiga (postponed to 2027 - dates TBC), Shujaa Run in Elementaita on October 20th, Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon at Uhuru Gardens on October 25th, Sole Mates Run Challenge at Ngong Forest on October 31st (KES 5,250 per pair), Coffee Run - The Brew at Ngong Forest on November 14th (KES 2,500), UltraMARAthon in Maasai Mara on November 14th ($300–$800), Good Vibes Only Run in Kiambu on November 28th (KES 3,500), Neon Run XMAS Edition on December 5th, and Night Run Twist 4 in Karen on December 11th.

No. New events are added regularly throughout the year. Check the calendar often for newly added events (usually marked as "New") and any changes to dates, venues, or other event details. This is especially important for annual events that carry over into the next year using the previous year’s posters. These events are usually confirmed, but the new dates and updated promotional posters may not have been released yet.

The 5th edition of the Nairobi City Marathon concluded successfully on June 7th at Uhuru Park, drawing 17,450 runners from 75 countries, the biggest edition yet. Enock Kipkemboi won the men's 42km in 2:09:33 as Kenya swept the podium, and Joy Kemuma took the women's title in 2:27:43. A humanoid AI robot named JayTron made history as the first AI humanoid to run a 5km road race in Africa. Total prize money was KES 18,375,000. The 6th edition is scheduled for 2027 with dates to be confirmed. Check fitsavanna.co.ke/marathons/nairobi-city-marathon-2026-recap-kipkemboi-kemuma-jaytron-robot for updates and full results.

The Kitui Green Run was Kenya's first RainBank race, held on May 31st 2026 at Ithokwe Stadium in Kitui town. Every kilometre run contributed to water storage capacity in Kitui's drylands through school rainwater harvesting systems, community storage points, and dryland restoration. The inaugural event featured a certified 21km half marathon, a 10km corporate challenge, a 5km youth category, and a 2km school children category, with a total prize pool of KES 2,528,000. It is planned as an annual event - check kituigreenrun.com for the next edition.

The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2026 is scheduled for October 25th, starting and assembling outside Carnivore on Southern Bypass Road, with 10km, 21km, 42km, and the Wheelchair race finishing at Uhuru Gardens. It offers five categories: a 5km Family Fun Run, 10km Race, 21.1km Half Marathon, 42km Full Marathon, and a 21km Wheelchair Race, all priced at a flat KES 2,500 per participant. A premium CEO Challenge entry tier is also available across every category at KES 20,000. Register at www.nairobimarathon.com. It is Kenya's largest and most prestigious marathon, attracting thousands of participants globally each year.

The Lewa Safari Marathon 2026 concluded successfully on June 27th at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. What sets this race apart is the course running through actual wildlife conservancy land alongside Kenya's Big Five, one of the most unique race settings in the world, with the finish line rewarding runners with a hand-crafted Maasai beaded medal. The event raises funds for Lewa's black rhino conservation program, which protects around 10% of Kenya's entire black rhino population. The next edition is scheduled for 2027 with dates to be confirmed. Keep an eye on lewasafarimarathon.co.ke for updates.

No Finish Line Nairobi is a charity endurance run held from July 11th to 15th, 2026 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. It runs continuously for 100 hours, and participants can walk or run at any time of their choice, day or night, covering as many kilometres as they wish. It is the first No Finish Line event held in Africa, part of a global charity series founded in Monaco in 1999 under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II. Proceeds support mental health initiatives for children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advance entry is KES 2,000 and closes July 15th at 6:00 PM. Register at ticketsasa.com.

The CAMFEB Breastfeeding Run is an annual advocacy event held during World Breastfeeding Week, organised by Career Mothers for Exclusive Breastfeeding (CAMFEB). The 2026 edition, marking its 5th anniversary, takes place on August 1st at The Waterfront Karen, with arrival at 6:00 AM and flag-off at 7:00 AM. It offers 5km, 10km, and 21km distances at KES 2,500 each, which includes a medal, t-shirt, and bib. The event brings together families, healthcare professionals, employers, and advocates to promote breastfeeding as a pillar of maternal and child health. Registration closes July 10th at njemasafaris.odoo.com.

Kenya's remaining 2026 ultra-marathon calendar: Mountain Madness Ultra in Naivasha (postponed until further notice - check for updated dates), Jangwani Ultra Savage Trail Run in Sagana (Aug 8, 10km–30km, from KES 6,350), hAVoc TRaiLS Challenge at Lake Naivasha (Aug 29, up to 30km, KES 2,800), and the UltraMARAthon in Maasai Mara (Nov 14, 50km, $300–$800, registration open now - capped at 350 spots, closing 1st November 2026 or once full).

Trail enthusiasts have plenty to choose from: Mountain Madness Ultra in Naivasha (postponed until further notice), Jangwani Ultra Savage Trail Run in Sagana (Aug 8), hAVoc TRaiLS Challenge at Lake Naivasha (Aug 29, KES 2,800), Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon on Mt. Kilimambogo (Jul 18, from KES 2,000), Shujaa Run in Elementaita (Oct 20), and Flock It Elementaita Run (Aug 16).

Yes - the September PROST8 Walkathon 99.9km Challenge runs all of September (3.3km daily minimum, KES 2,500). These allow you to complete your distance anywhere at your own pace and still receive a finisher medal and certificate.

Several 2026 races are charity-focused. Earlier in the year, the Rescue Run by NSSA (Apr 18) raised funds for a Nairobi animal shelter and clinic, the Alliance Classic Run (May 30) raised funds for scholarships at Alliance High School, and the Mater Heart Run ran simultaneously across 11 towns on May 23rd raising funds for children's heart surgery at Mater Hospital. Less Steps for Water Run (Jun 13) funded boreholes and water kiosks in Lower Yatta, Kitui County, and TESPOK Autism Run (Jun 20) promoted autism awareness and inclusion. Coming up: the No Finish Line Nairobi 100-hour run at Kasarani (Jul 11-15, KES 2,000) supports mental health programs for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon (Jul 18) supports conservation and education. The CAMFEB Breastfeeding Run at The Waterfront Karen (Aug 1, KES 2,500) supports breastfeeding advocacy during World Breastfeeding Week. Enchilai Run for the Mind (Sep 19) raises mental health awareness in partnership with Decathlon Kenya.

Yes. Lewa Safari Marathon (Jun 27) offered a Junior Race for ages 10-17 (KES 3,000). Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon (Jul 18) has children's pricing for ages 8-17 (early bird KES 2,000). USIU-Africa Half Marathon (Jul 26) offers Kids U18 early bird tickets (KES 1,500). The Kilifi Annual Charity Run (Jul 4) includes a 5km Family Fun Run (KES 1,000). The CAMFEB Breastfeeding Run (Aug 1) has a 5km category designed specifically for families and beginners.

Team and corporate options include: the Hillpark 40km Relay Challenge in Upper Hill (Jul 4, KES 15,000 per team of 10), the 4:21 Team Trek Challenge at Ngong Hills (Aug 29, KES 15,800 per team of 4), Nairobi Beer Mile (Sep 5, group of 4 at KES 8,000), and USIU-Africa Half Marathon (Jul 26, family/group of 4 at KES 6,800, Corporate Challenge at KES 50,000). The Lewa Safari Marathon offered an Executive category at KES 50,000 for its June edition, a format likely to return for 2027.

Plenty still to come outside Nairobi: Kaptagat Forest Marathon in Uasin Gishu (Jul 11, from KES 50), Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon on Mt. Kilimambogo (Jul 18, from KES 2,000), the GPO-Limuru 50km Ultramarathon via Kiambu (Jul 26, KES 2,000), Mountain Madness Ultra in Naivasha (postponed until further notice), hAVoc TRaiLS at Lake Naivasha (Aug 29, KES 2,800), Amazing Maasai Marathon in Loldaiga (postponed to 2027), Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon (Oct 25), and UltraMARAthon in Maasai Mara (Nov 14, $300–$800). Earlier in the year, the Decathlon x FitBeat Mombasa Night Run at City Mall Nyali (Jun 5), Lewa Safari Marathon at Lewa Conservancy (Jun 27), and Nandi Hills Run through tea farms (Jun 19-21) also drew runners outside the capital.

Costs vary widely by distance and organiser. Budget community runs cost KES 500–1,500 (e.g. Kijabe Ultra at KES 500, Kikuyu-Naivasha Ultra at KES 1,500). Mid-range road races typically cost KES 2,000–3,500 (most Blue Ribbon and Bucket List events). Premium trail and experience events range from KES 3,500–8,000 (Jangwani Ultra from KES 6,350). Flagship events like Lewa Safari adult marathon (KES 20,000) and the USIU Corporate Challenge (KES 50,000) sit at the high end. International events such as the Maasai Mara UltraMarathon cost $300–$800.

As of early July 2026, races with open registration include: the No Finish Line Nairobi 100-hour run at Kasarani (Jul 11-15, KES 2,000, ticketsasa.com), the RunFit Ridgeways Weekend Run (Jul 11, KES 1,300-1,900, Google Form), the Kaptagat Forest Marathon in Uasin Gishu (Jul 11, from KES 50, closes Jul 10, prod.chronorace.be), Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon (Jul 18, from KES 2,000, ticketsasa.com), USIU-Africa Half Marathon (Jul 26, from KES 1,500, ticketsasa.com), the GPO-Limuru 50km Ultramarathon (Jul 26, KES 2,000, register with Raymond via M-Pesa), the CAMFEB Breastfeeding Run at The Waterfront Karen (Aug 1, KES 2,500, closes Jul 10, njemasafaris.odoo.com), Neon Run Nairobi (Aug 8, KES 2,500, blueribbon.or.ke), Jangwani Ultra Savage Trail Run Sagana (Aug 8, from KES 6,350, blueribbon.or.ke), hAVoc TRaiLS Challenge Lake Naivasha (Aug 29, KES 2,800, Google Form), 4:21 Team Trek Challenge Ngong Hills (Aug 29, KES 15,800 per team, blueribbon.or.ke), Nairobi Beer Mile (Sep 5, from KES 2,500, https://bucketlist.africa/events), Enchilai Run for the Mind (Sep 19, KES 1,500-2,000, njuko.com), Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon (Oct 25, nairobimarathon.com), and UltraMARAthon Maasai Mara (Nov 14, capped at 350 spots, closes Nov 1 or once full, ultramara-reg.apptool.workers.dev). Note: Bucketlist Adventures has confirmed to Fit Savanna that Mountain Madness Ultra and Amazing Maasai Marathon have both been postponed until further notice - check back for updated dates. Always confirm directly with the organiser as slots fill fast.

Most road races start between 5:00 AM and 7:30 AM to avoid midday heat. Marathon and ultra distances go off earliest - the Nairobi City Marathon and Maasai Mara UltraMarathon both start at 5:00 AM, while some ultras like the Voi Ultra Run start as early as 4:30 AM. Fun runs and shorter distances often start at 7:00–7:30 AM. Night runs are the exception - the Neon Run starts at 6:30 PM and Dusk to Dawn begins at 6:00 PM.

Nairobi's altitude of approximately 1,795m keeps temperatures mild year-round, making almost any month runnable. The coolest and driest conditions fall between June–September and December–February, which is why many flagship events like the Lewa Safari Marathon (June) and Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon (October) are scheduled then. April–May and October–November are Kenya's long and short rainy seasons - trail races during these months can be muddier but are still well-attended.

Nairobi sits at approximately 1,795 metres (5,889 feet) above sea level. If you're travelling from a lower altitude, allow 2–3 days to acclimatise before racing, particularly for half marathon distances and above. Breathing may feel harder than expected initially. The upside is that training at altitude improves endurance over time, which is one reason Kenyan distance runners are among the world's best.

For a first 5km or 10km, 8–12 weeks of consistent training is enough for most people. A half marathon requires 12–16 weeks, and a full marathon needs 16–20 weeks minimum. Ultra-marathon distances - particularly 50km+ events like Maasai Mara Ultra, Voi Ultra Run, or Kijabe Ultra - need 20–24 weeks or more of structured preparation. Joining a local running club like Blue Ribbon Kenya (0739842420) or Runner's Point (0720824956) can accelerate your progress significantly.

Track Tuesdays by The Forge Project runs every Tuesday at Nyayo National Stadium (5:45–7:00 AM, 5km time trials, walk-in, KES 200 stadium access fee). Several running clubs also hold informal weekly group runs - follow Blue Ribbon Kenya, Runner's Point, Urban Swaras, and The Forge Project on social media for their regular meetup schedules.

Yes - each individual event page features a localized race day weather forecast for events up to 10 days out, including temperature projections, precipitation probability, wind speed, and an hourly timeline from 6am to 6pm. Air quality data (AQI and PM2.5) is integrated for events within 5 days. Both metrics update dynamically as race day approaches. We also provide an interactive pace calculator on each event profile to assist you in planning your target finish time based on distance and target splits.

As of 2026, the Nairobi City Marathon offers Kenya's largest published prize purse. The full marathon (42.195 km) awards a total of KSh 11.41 million per gender, or KSh 22.82 million combined for the men's and women's races. Including the half marathon (21 km) and 10 km races, the event's total published prize purse rises to KSh 24.035 million. The Eldoret City Marathon follows with KSh 18.03 million for the full marathon, while both races award KSh 3.5 million to the men's and women's winners. The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon pays KSh 2 million to each winner, while the Iten International Marathon awards KSh 1 million to its champions.

The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon was first held in 2003 with around 4,000 participants and has grown into Kenya's largest annual road race, now attracting roughly 20,000 runners each October. Widely regarded as Kenya's OG city marathon, it remains a major fundraising event, having supported initiatives such as Seeing is Believing and, more recently, the Futuremakers education and employability programme.

Yes. Kenya's Sabastian Sawe became the first person in history to run a legal, record-eligible sub-two-hour marathon, clocking 1:59:30 at the 2026 London Marathon. That surpassed the previous official world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum. Eliud Kipchoge had earlier run 1:59:40 at the 2019 INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, but that performance was not eligible for world-record ratification because it was completed under specially controlled conditions.

Kenya's Ruth Chepng'etich holds the official women's marathon world record after running 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, becoming the first woman to break 2 hours 10 minutes. In 2025, however, she received a three-year suspension from the Athletics Integrity Unit after testing positive for a banned diuretic. Although the sanction is an important part of the story, her marathon world record remains the official mark as of 2026.

The Kass International Marathon was one of Kenya's most iconic road races, renowned for its demanding Kapsabet-to-Eldoret course and enthusiastic roadside crowds. At its peak, it offered around KSh 1.5 million in prize money and helped many promising Kenyan athletes secure international management contracts. Although the race has not been held in recent years, its legacy lives on through newer events such as the Eldoret City Marathon.

We source race listings from organisers' official social media pages and websites, cross-check dates and details where possible, and also accept submissions directly from event organisers at marathons@fitsavanna.co.ke. If you spot an error or a missing event, let us know and we'll update it.

The calendar is researched, updated, and maintained by the FitSavanna team and a small community of Kenyan fitness enthusiasts. We are passionate about building an Active Kenya by making marathon, cycling, and wellness event information easier to discover and follow. Contributors include Desmond Karani, a strength-training enthusiast currently working toward a sub‑3-hour marathon goal, alongside runners, cyclists, and outdoor lovers such as Grace Mutua, Grace Njoroge, and other members of the FitSavanna community. (P.S. To make checking the calendar even easier, you can always jump straight here by typing activekenya.co.ke or active.co.ke into your browser!)