Who is Henry Wanyoike?

Henry Wanyoike (born 10 May 1974) is a Kenyan Paralympic gold medallist and world record holder from Kikuyu. He lost 95% of his vision overnight in 1995 after a stroke, but went on to win gold at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympics, set the blind marathon world record of 2:31:31 (Hamburg, 2005), and found the Henry Wanyoike Foundation to support disadvantaged children and people with disabilities in his hometown.

What does the entry fee cover?

Registration fees go directly toward the Henry Wanyoike Foundation's community programs including children's scholarships, a kindergarten, mobility aids for people with disabilities, and educational campaigns against discrimination. The t-shirt is an optional add-on at KES 1,000.

Which distance should I choose?

The 3km is a family walk perfect for all ages including young children. The 8km suits recreational runners and beginners. The 21km is a competitive half marathon distance for experienced runners.

Pay via M-Pesa to 0711 737 127. For more information call 020 2441331, 0711737127, or 0722269664, or email henrywanyoikefoundation.hwf@gmail.com.

Road RaceAnnual Event

Henry Wanyoike Hope Run

Saturday, 12 June 2027 · 7:00 AM [2026 Schedule]

📅The 19th edition concluded successfully on 13th June 2026. This page now shows the 2027 edition. Dates TBC. The poster (currently 2026 version) will be updated once the 20th edition dates are confirmed.

20th edition of Kenya's beloved charity run, founded by Paralympic gold medallist and world record holder Henry Wanyoike. Run for a noble cause in the heart of Kikuyu.

Kanjeru Primary School, Kikuyu

7:00 AM [2026 Schedule]

3km (Family Walk), 8km, 21km

Recreational / Elites KES 500→Adults KES 100→Children KES 50→T-Shirt KES 1,000→Based on 2026 rates; 2027 fees TBA

Henry Wanyoike Foundation

+254 20 2441331→0711737127→0722269664→henrywanyoikefoundation.hwf@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/henry.wanyoike

@henrywanyoike_Facebook

Registration opens closer to race day

Coming up

39 weeks to go

Saturday morning

Base-building phase.

Add to calendar

Google|

Consistent easy effort is the goal. Build aerobic fitness and establish the habit. Race-specific work comes later.

Event Highlights

20th edition of one of Kenya's most inspiring charity runs

Founded by Henry Wanyoike - Paralympic gold medallist, world record holder, and Kikuyu's own

Three distances welcoming everyone: 3km family walk, 8km run, and 21km half marathon

Proceeds support the Henry Wanyoike Foundation's programs for disadvantaged children and people with disabilities in Kikuyu

One of the most affordable race entries in Kenya - just KES 100 for adults and KES 50 for children

Held at Kanjeru Primary School, approximately 23km from Nairobi CBD via the A104

Running For

❤️

Henry Wanyoike Foundation

Supporting disadvantaged children and people with disabilities in Kikuyu and across Kenya through scholarships, a kindergarten, mobility aids, and anti-discrimination campaigns.

via Henry Wanyoike Foundation

Race Fees

Category	Fee	Status
Recreational Runners / Elites Competitive entry for all distances	KES 500	Coming Soon
Students / Fun Runners General adult entry	KES 100	Coming Soon
Children Entry for children	KES 50	Coming Soon
Event T-Shirt Official Hope Run t-shirt	KES 1,000	Coming Soon

Race Distances

3km (Family Walk)

8km

21km

Pace Calculator

Loading Pace Calculator...

Getting There

Kanjeru Primary School is in Kikuyu, approximately 23km northwest of Nairobi CBD. The fastest route is via the A104 Nairobi-Nakuru highway, about 36 minutes by car. From Gitaru interchange it is just 1.6km away. Matatus run regularly between Nairobi CBD and Kikuyu town.

Open in Maps

Did You Know?

🌍Henry Wanyoike lost 95% of his vision overnight on 1 May 1995 after a stroke at age 20 - and went on to become one of the greatest blind runners in history.

🌍Wanyoike won Paralympic gold in Sydney 2000 in the 5,000m, pulling his exhausted guide across the finish line in a moment that was broadcast around the world.

🌍At the 2004 Athens Paralympics he set world records in both the 5,000m (15:11.07) and 10,000m (31:37.25), and also held the world record in the half marathon (1:10:26).

🌍His marathon world record of 2:31:31, set in Hamburg in April 2005, still stands as the world record for blind runners.

🌍Wanyoike founded the Henry Wanyoike Foundation in 2007 to give back to the community that supported him - running his own kindergarten, awarding school scholarships, and employing blind Kenyans to operate knitting machines.

🌍The Hope Run has been held annually for over 18 years and has grown into one of the largest sporting events in Kikuyu, drawing thousands of children, families, and runners each year.

🌍Wanyoike runs with a guide connected by a tether on the wrist - a system that lets the guide signal turns, obstacles, and pace changes without breaking stride.