Can I enter a single race?

No. Entry is only available for a full season (five races) or the full year (ten races). Single-race entry is not offered.

Is Season 1 still open?

No. Both Season 1 and Season 2 for 2026 are fully sold out. 2027 registrations open Monday 16th November 2026 - keep an eye on Run Beyond's channels for the launch.

How are season rankings calculated?

Season rankings are based on average times across all races in the season, so turning up consistently matters as much as pace.

Is there supervision for children in the kids race?

Race marshals are present at the finish line to assist children while they wait for parents finishing the 5km or 10km. Children should be able to complete the 3km distance and wait independently.

Are dogs or prams allowed?

Yes. Previous seasons have welcomed participants with babies in prams and dogs on leads. Keep to the left on the trail to let faster runners pass.

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Trail RunPast

Friends of Karura Race Series 2026

Sunday, 30 August 2026 · 8:00 AM

A chip-timed trail race series held monthly in Karura Forest. Two five-race seasons per year with 5km, 10km, and 3km kids distances. Includes forest entry, parking, photography, and a medal per season. Organised in partnership with Run Beyond, Team Jasho, and Kenya Forest Service.

Friends of Karura Race Series 2026 poster

Karura Forest Block A, Amani Gardens (River Cafe car park), Nairobi

8:00 AM

3km (kids), 5km, 10km

Adults KES 2,500 (single season) / KES 4,000 (full year)→Under-20s KES 1,250 (single season) / KES 2,000 (full year)

Friends of Karura Forest / Run Beyond / Team Jasho / Kenya Forest Service

0711 892 032→events@runbeyond.co.ke

www.runbeyond.co.ke

@runbeyondke Facebook

Join Organiser's Strava Club

Event Highlights

Chip-timed trail race series inside Karura Forest - Nairobi's favourite urban forest

Two seasons of five races each: Season 1 (Jan-May) and Season 2 (Jun-Nov)

Three distances: 10km, 5km, and a 3km kids race - welcoming all ages

Forest entry, parking, chip timing, photography, a season medal, and post-race refreshments all included

FKF Forest Scouts assist with route marshalling, safety, and coordination on every race day

Sold out for 2026. 2027 registrations open Monday 16th November 2026

What's Included

Five races per season (all dates covered by one registration)

Forest entry and parking at all events

Chip timing with results published the following day

Professional photography at each event

One finisher medal per season

Post-race refreshments: water, fruit, and coffee

Optional series t-shirt available at events for KES 500 (first-time participants only)

Event Schedule

18 JanSeason 1 - Race 1 · Third Sunday (sold out)

22 FebSeason 1 - Race 2 · Fourth Sunday (sold out)

22 MarSeason 1 - Race 3 · Fourth Sunday (sold out)

26 AprSeason 1 - Race 4 · Fourth Sunday (sold out)

17 MaySeason 1 - Race 5 · Third Sunday (sold out)

14 JunSeason 2 - Race 1 · Second Sunday (sold out)

30 AugSeason 2 - Race 2 · Fifth Sunday (sold out)

20 SepSeason 2 - Race 3 · Third Sunday (sold out)

18 OctSeason 2 - Race 4 · Third Sunday (sold out)

15 NovSeason 2 - Race 5 · Third Sunday (sold out)

Course Details

All races take place in Karura Forest Block A, congregating at Amani Gardens (River Cafe car park). Routes are well-marked looped trails within the forest. The 10km and 5km are for adult runners; the 3km kids race is for children who can complete the distance and wait independently at the finish for parents. Participants include runners, joggers, walkers, and those with babies and prams.

Getting There

Amani Gardens (River Cafe car park) is inside Karura Forest Block A, off Kiambu Road in Nairobi. Forest entry and parking are included in the registration fee. Arrive in good time before the 8:00 AM start.

Open in Maps

Did You Know?

🌍Karura Forest was transformed from a dangerous no-go zone into one of Kenya's most popular recreation areas, now attracting over 75,000 visits a month.

🌍Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) was founded in October 2009 and operates under a legally binding joint Forest Management Agreement with Kenya Forest Service running from 2021 to 2041.

🌍Indigenous vegetation cover has grown from 25% in 2009 to over 40% today, thanks to a massive community-led tree replanting effort.

🌍Over 120 Colobus monkeys have been successfully reintroduced into the forest, which is now home to over 560 plant species and 230 bird species.

🌍The forest became financially self-sufficient within one year of reopening in 2010, funded entirely through entrance fees and services - no government subsidy.

🌍FKF has awarded 293 secondary school bursaries to local children between 2023 and 2025, and created 1,137 forestry contracts for neighbouring communities.

🌍Karura has been recognised as Africa's most successful urban forest in a compendium of 34 case studies titled 'Urban Forests and Green Spaces in Africa'.

Race Sponsors & Partners

White Cap CrispRun BeyondTeam JashoAAR HealthcareBritish High Commission NairobiSpring Valley CoffeeUSNThe QuickFix Learning HubHealthy UGarminLe Grenier à PainAfter Six