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.

June 2026 kicks off today with the Nyarington Runner's Challenge at Green Table Pizza Lavington (KES 2,750). Coming up: the Decathlon x FitBeat Mombasa Night Run at City Mall Nyali on June 5th (free, RSVP required), Nairobi Eco Trail Run at Ngong Forest on June 6th (5km–21km, KES 2,000), Nairobi City Marathon at Uhuru Park on June 7th (from KES 1,000 locals - 5km and 42km still open), Less Steps for Water Run at World Vision Karen Office on June 13th (5km–15km, KES 1,500–2,000), Forest Relay Challenge at Karura Forest on June 13th, Nandi Hills Run with Early Birds Running Club departing June 19th–21st (KES 4,500), TESPOK Autism Run at Tatu City on June 20th (KES 1,500), Blue Ribbon Father's Day Walk Run at Waterfront Karen on June 20th (KES 2,500), Decathlon @50 Family Run at The Hub Karen on June 21st (KES 1,500), and closing the month on June 27th: the Lewa Safari Marathon at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (sold out) and the Great Migration Series at Sarit Expo (KES 2,500–6,000).

July 2026 events include: Kilifi Annual Charity Run at McEwan Stadium on July 4th (5km–42km, from KES 1,000), DO. IT. Run at Saitoti's Butchery Karen on July 11th (10km/16km, KES 3,333), 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), USIU-Africa Half Marathon on July 26th (10km/21km, from KES 1,500 for USIU students).

August 2026 features: 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 2,750), Amazing Maasai Marathon in Loldaiga on October 11th (KES 6,500–8,000), 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.

The Nairobi City Marathon 2026 takes place on June 7th at Uhuru Park, starting at 5:00 AM. It offers 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km distances. For local runners, the 5km (KES 1,000) and 42km (KES 2,000) categories still have slots - the 10km and 21km are sold out. All international athlete categories are now closed. Local runners register via nairobicitymarathon.com.

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 at Uhuru Gardens, starting at 5:00 AM. It offers 5km, 10km, 21.1km, and 42km distances. Pricing is TBC - check nairobimarathon.com or email secretariat@nairobimarathon.com for updates. It is Kenya's largest and most prestigious marathon, attracting thousands of participants globally each year.

The Lewa Safari Marathon 2026 is on June 27th at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, starting at 7:00 AM. Registration is now sold out. What sets it 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. The event raises funds for Lewa's black rhino conservation program. Keep an eye on lewasafarimarathon.co.ke for future editions.

Kenya's remaining 2026 ultra-marathon calendar: Mountain Madness Ultra in Naivasha (Aug 2, 14.5km–52km, from KES 2,000), Jangwani Ultra Savage Trail Run in Sagana (Aug 8, 10km–30km, from KES 6,350), Last Man Standing Ultra III at Kefri Zambezi (recurring yearly, 6.5km loops until one runner remains), 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 opens July 2026).

Trail enthusiasts have plenty to choose from: Mountain Madness Ultra in Naivasha (Aug 2), Jangwani Ultra Savage Trail Run in Sagana (Aug 8), Forest Relay Challenge at Karura Forest (Jun 13), Nandi Hills Run through tea farms (Jun 19–21, KES 4,500), 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: The Rescue Run by NSSA (Apr 18, KES 2,500) raised funds for a Nairobi animal shelter and clinic. The Alliance Classic Run (occurred on May 30) raised funds for scholarships at Alliance High School. The Mater Heart Run ran simultaneously across 11 towns on May 23rd raising funds for children's heart surgery at Mater Hospital. Coming up: Less Steps for Water Run (Jun 13, KES 1,500–2,000) funds boreholes and water kiosks in Lower Yatta, Kitui County. TESPOK Autism Run (Jun 20) promotes autism awareness and inclusion. Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon (Jul 18) supports conservation and education.

Yes - Lewa Safari Marathon (Jun 27) offers 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).

Team and corporate options include: 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), USIU-Africa Half Marathon (Jul 26, family/group of 4 at KES 6,800, Corporate Challenge at KES 50,000), and Lewa Safari Marathon (Jun 27, Executive category at KES 50,000).

Plenty still to come outside Nairobi: Decathlon x FitBeat Mombasa Night Run at City Mall Nyali (Jun 5, free), Lewa Safari Marathon at Lewa Conservancy (Jun 27, sold out), Nandi Hills Run through tea farms (Jun 19–21, KES 4,500), Kilifi Annual Charity Run at McEwan Stadium Kilifi (Jul 4, from KES 1,000), Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon on Mt. Kilimambogo (Jul 18, from KES 2,000), Mountain Madness Ultra in Naivasha (Aug 2, from KES 2,000), hAVoc TRaiLS at Lake Naivasha (Aug 29, KES 2,800), Amazing Maasai Marathon in Loldaiga (Oct 11, from KES 6,500), Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon (Oct 25), and UltraMarathon in Maasai Mara (Nov 14, $300–$800).

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 June 2026, races with open or upcoming registration include: Less Steps for Water Run (Jun 13, KES 1,500–2,000, forms.cloud.microsoft), Decathlon @50 Family Run (Jun 21, KES 1,500, Google Form via @decathlonkenya), Great Migration Series at Sarit Expo (Jun 27, KES 2,500–6,000, airtable.com form), Kilifi Annual Charity Run (Jul 4, kilifimarathon.com), DO. IT. Run Karen (Jul 11, KES 3,333, blueribbon.or.ke), Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon (Jul 18, from KES 2,000, ticketsasa.com), USIU-Africa Half Marathon (Jul 26, from KES 1,500, ticketsasa.com), Mountain Madness Ultra Naivasha (Aug 2, from KES 2,000, races.bucketlist.co.ke), 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, races.bucketlist.co.ke), Enchilai Run for the Mind (Sep 19, KES 1,500–2,000, njuko.com), Amazing Maasai Marathon (Oct 11, from KES 6,500, races.bucketlist.co.ke), Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon (Oct 25, nairobimarathon.com), and UltraMarathon Maasai Mara (registration opens July 2026, ultramarathon.co.ke). 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.