Kaptagat Forest Marathon 2026: Full Results as Stephen Kimutai Kibet and Vivian Jerono Win 42km Titles
Full results from the inaugural Kaptagat Forest Marathon at Kaptarkok Primary School, part of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme's 10th anniversary celebrations. Stephen Kimutai Kibet and Vivian Jerono won the men's and women's 42km titles, with James Kipkoech, Elius Chebor Kiptoo, Abraham Poghisho and Venenza Chebet also crowned champions in the shorter distances. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attended as chief guest and flagged off the distribution of livelihood support to community beneficiaries.
✔️ COVERAGE ENDED: This live blog has concluded. All results below are final. Last updated: 7:48 PM.
The inaugural Kaptagat Forest Marathon took place at Kaptarkok Primary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County, part of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme's (Kaptagat-ICP) 10th anniversary celebrations. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attended as chief guest, a change from the programme's earlier billing of President William Ruto (more on that below).
The race, offering 5km, 10km, 21km and a first-ever 42km full marathon distance, caps a milestone year for Kaptagat-ICP, the community-led conservation initiative founded in 2017 by National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo. The programme has restored more than 3,000 hectares across the Kaptagat, Sabor, Penon, Kipkabus and Kessup forest blocks and facilitated the planting of over two million trees.
All race categories and the Deputy President's remarks are now complete.
The lead pack pushes through the forest road during the Kaptagat Forest Marathon. | Fit Savanna
Chief Guest Update: Deputy President Kindiki to Officiate
Kaptagat-ICP's official event poster, shared on the programme's Facebook page on 8 July, had billed President William Ruto as chief guest for the 10th anniversary celebrations. On the morning of the event, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, the programme's founder, named Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as chief guest instead, after flagging off the 42km, 21km, 10km and 5km races alongside PS Oluga. Neither Kaptagat-ICP nor State House issued a further statement on the change.
The event, Kiptoo said, is a flagship Sports for Conservation initiative under Kaptagat-ICP, bringing together elite athletes, local communities and conservation partners.
Dr Chris Kiptoo addresses runners at the start line before the flag off. | Dr. Kiptoo
42km: Stephen Kimutai Kibet Wins Men's Title
Stephen Kimutai Kibet won the men's 42km title in 2:17:14, the marathon's first-ever full distance category, ahead of Julius Bwambok in second (2:18:14) and Kibiwot Mark in third (2:19:04). Speaking to Kass Media after his win, Kibet said his familiarity with the course, where he trains regularly, gave him an edge.
"I can say I am used to this route, I knew the course very well," Kibet told Kass TV, speaking in Swahili.
Stephen Kimutai Kibet speaks to Kass Media after winning the men's 42km title. | Kass Media Group
42km: Vivian Jerono Wins Women's Title
Vivian Jerono won the women's 42km title in 2:39:27, ahead of Justine Petakou in second (2:39:38) and Peris Jerono in third (2:39:46). Jerono spoke to reporters after the race in Kalenjin. Her comments have not yet been officially translated, though she appeared to reference holding her pace before pushing on from around the 35km mark.
Vivian Jerono after winning the women's 42km title at the Kaptagat Forest Marathon. | @mukua_karimi
21km: James Kipkoech Wins Men's Title
James Kipkoech won the men's 21km category in 1:06:54, ahead of Emmanuel Sikuku in second (1:06:57) and Kiprono Byegon in third (1:07:58).
James Kipkoech after winning the men's 21km category at the Kaptagat Forest Marathon. | @mukua_karimi
10km: Elius Chebor Kiptoo Takes the Win
Elius Chebor Kiptoo won the 10km men's category in 30:51, ahead of Kipmwetch Brian in second (30:55) and George Kiptum in third (31:01).
Elius Chebor Kiptoo (centre) celebrates his 10km win, flanked by runners-up Kipmwetch Brian and George Kiptum. | @mukua_karimi
5km: Abraham Poghisho Wins Men's Category
Abraham Poghisho won the 5km men's category, ahead of Gideon Kiplagat in second and Meshack Kipkemoi in third.
Abraham Poghisho (left) with runners-up Gideon Kiplagat and Meshack Kipkemoi after the 5km race. | @mukua_karimi
5km: Venenza Chebet Wins Women's Category
Venenza Chebet won the 5km women's category, ahead of Lornah Cherono in second and Caren Chebet in third.
Venenza Chebet (centre) with runners-up Lornah Cherono and Caren Chebet after the 5km women's race. | @mukua_karimi
Deputy President Kindiki Closes 10th Anniversary Celebrations
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, as chief guest and guest of honour, flagged off the distribution of livelihood support to Kaptagat-ICP community beneficiaries, including beehives, heifers, dopper sheep, tree seedlings and LPG gas cylinders, in a ceremony marking ten years of the programme.
Dr. Chris Kiptoo, the programme's patron, used the occasion to lay out a decade of milestones. What began in 2017 as the restoration of just 50 hectares has grown into 3,523.7 hectares of restored forest landscape. Kiptoo also highlighted the establishment of a 273-kilometre live fence to protect the forest, designated community access points for sustainable resource use, and the national launch of cocoa planting, with Kaptagat becoming the first site in Kenya to roll out the initiative. The programme's work is anchored on two pillars, Pesa Mfukoni and Maji Safi Nyumbani.
The celebrations brought together Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Environment and Climate Change CS Barasa Mulongo, principal secretaries, governors, senators, MPs and other senior government and development officials. Murkomen was seen sharing a light moment with Jackson Mandago on the sidelines of the event.
This concludes live coverage of the 2026 Kaptagat Forest Marathon and Kaptagat-ICP's 10th anniversary celebrations. All results are final.
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