2026 – 2027Kenya Marathon & Race Calendar

May 2026 has several events: Wings for Life World Run at Uhuru Park on May 10th (KES 1,500), the Nairobi Marathon Relay at Carnivore Grounds on May 10th (KES 18,000 per team of 6), the Pauline Kabaka Memorial Run in Murang'a on May 16th (5km–30km, from KES 2,500), the Mater Heart Run across 11 towns on May 23rd (T-shirt entry KES 1,000), Coffee Run 2026 - The Roast at Spring Valley Coffee Lavington on May 23rd (KES 2,500), the Lukenya Trail Run on May 24th (KES 3,000), the Alliance Classic Run at Alliance High School on May 30th (KES 2,026), and Mudathon in Nanyuki and Festive Run at Tilisi both on May 31st.

June 2026 is packed: Nyarington Runner's Challenge at Green Table Pizza Lavington on June 1st (KES 2,750), Nairobi City Marathon at Uhuru Park on June 7th (from KES 1,000 locals / $20 internationals), 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 and the Blue Ribbon Father's Day Walk Run at Waterfront Karen both on June 20th (KES 2,500), and the prestigious Lewa Safari Marathon at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on June 27th (from KES 3,000 kids / KES 20,000 adults).

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. Local registration costs KES 1,000 (5km), KES 1,500 (10km), KES 1,700 (21km), and KES 2,000 (42km). International athletes register via ChronoRace at prod.chronorace.be and pay $20–$90 depending on distance. Local runners register via the official website at nairobicitymarathon.com.

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 takes place on June 27th at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, starting at 7:00 AM. It offers 5km (kids), 10km (Executive), 21km, and 42km distances. Entry costs KES 3,000 for the junior race, KES 20,000 for the adult half and full marathon, and KES 50,000 for the executive 10km category. What sets it apart is the course running through actual wildlife conservancy land — you may encounter Kenya's Big Five along the route. Register at lewasafarimarathon.co.ke.

Kenya's 2026 ultra-marathon calendar is strong: Kijabe Ultra (Feb 21, 11km–80km, KES 500), Mountain Madness Ultra in Naivasha (Aug 2, up to 52km, from KES 2,000), Jangwani Ultra Savage Trail Run in Sagana (Aug 8, up to 30km, from KES 6,350), Last Man Standing Ultra III at Kefri Zambezi (recurring yearly, 6.5km loops), Voi Ultra Run to Vuria Hills (May 2, up to 62km, from KES 2,000), Kikuyu-Naivasha Ultramarathon (May 16, up to 72km, KES 1,500), GPO-Machakos 63km Ultramarathon (May 1, KES 2,000), and the UltraMarathon in Maasai Mara (Nov 14, 50km, $300–$800).

Trail enthusiasts have plenty to choose from: Mountain Madness Ultra in Naivasha (Aug 2), Lukenya Trail Run at Lukenya Conservancy (May 24, KES 3,000), 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 Mater Heart Run (May 23, 11 towns) raises funds for children's heart surgery at Mater Hospital. The Rescue Run by NSSA (Apr 18, KES 2,500) funds a Nairobi animal shelter and clinic. The Alliance Classic Run (May 30) funds scholarships at Alliance High School. Kilimambogo Trail Half Marathon (Jul 18) supports conservation and education. TESPOK Autism Run (Jun 20) promotes autism awareness and inclusion.

Yes — Mudathon in Nanyuki (May 31) has a dedicated Kids Mud Fun category (KES 1,500–2,000). 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 Nairobi Marathon Relay (May 10, KES 18,000 per team of 6), the 4:21 Team Trek Challenge at Ngong Hills (Aug 29, KES 15,800 per team of 4), Mudathon in Nanyuki (May 31, group of 4 from KES 7,000), Nairobi Beer Mile (Sep 5, group of 4 at KES 8,000), Festive Run at Tilisi (May 31, group discount from KES 1,250 per person for 10+), 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 — Mudathon in Nanyuki (May 31), Voi Ultra Run to Vuria Hills (May 2), Lukenya Trail Run (May 24), Kikuyu-Naivasha Ultramarathon (May 16), Nandi Hills Run through tea farms (Jun 19–21), Lewa Safari Marathon at Lewa Conservancy (Jun 27), Kilifi Annual Charity Run (Jul 4), Amazing Maasai Marathon in Loldaiga (Oct 11), UltraMarathon in Maasai Mara (Nov 14), hAVoc TRaiLS at Lake Naivasha (Aug 29), Mountain Madness Ultra in Naivasha (Aug 2), and Eldoret City Marathon (Apr 26).

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 May 2026, races with open or upcoming registration include: Mountain Madness Ultra Naivasha (Aug 2, races.bucketlist.co.ke), Nairobi Beer Mile (Sep 5, races.bucketlist.co.ke), Amazing Maasai Marathon (Oct 11, races.bucketlist.co.ke), Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon (Oct 25, nairobimarathon.com), UltraMarathon Maasai Mara (opens July 2026, ultramarathon.co.ke), Blue Ribbon Father's Day Walk Run (Jun 20, blueribbon.or.ke), Lewa Safari Marathon (Jun 27, lewasafarimarathon.co.ke), Kilifi Annual Charity Run (Jul 4, kilifimarathon.com), USIU-Africa Half Marathon (Jul 26, ticketsasa.com), and Jangwani Ultra Savage Trail Run (Aug 8, blueribbon.or.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.