Sports
Race the city's marathon in October, then recover on safari.
Why do it in Kenya
Racing in Nairobi means running in the country that has defined distance running for decades, alongside Kenyan club runners, school teams, families and elite athletes. The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is the city's best-known race, with a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10 km, a 5 km family fun run and a wheelchair half marathon in recent editions. The finish at Uhuru Gardens feels part festival, part national celebration. Then, about an hour's flight away, you can be watching lions in the Maasai Mara.
Where and when
In recent years the race has been held on a Sunday in late October, starting on the Southern Bypass and finishing at Uhuru Gardens for most categories. Organizers announce the date and route each year, so we confirm before booking. Nairobi sits at about 1,800 m (5,900 ft), so expect slower times than at sea level. Late October is usually warm and mostly dry, before the short rains that often arrive in November. Starts are early, before six for the full marathon in recent editions.
How the weekend works
Arrive at least two or three days before race day to recover from the long flight and feel the altitude. We handle registration and help with bib collection under that year's rules, and book a hotel with easy access to the start, since roads close on race morning. A shakeout run with local athletes, perhaps on the trails in Karura Forest, loosens the legs. After the race, a recovery meal of nyama choma is the Nairobi way to celebrate.
After the race
Two or three nights in the Maasai Mara is the classic recovery, with game viewing usually still good in late October and sometimes the tail end of the migration. Amboseli offers elephants and Kilimanjaro views, and Nairobi National Park, on the edge of the city, makes an easy game drive the morning after. Or fly to Diani or Watamu to rest your legs in the Indian Ocean. Runners with more time can spend a week at altitude in Iten first, then race.
Who it suits
The weekend suits running clubs, charity teams, first-time marathoners who want a memorable race, and families, since the 5 km works for children and walkers. Company teams can look at the corporate categories, which have run in recent editions. Train for altitude and some long climbs, bring the gels and shoes you trained with, and pack sunscreen and a cap. A light layer helps at the start, because pre-dawn Nairobi can be cool. Walkers and slower runners should check each year's cutoff times before choosing a distance.
Plan it with us
Kenya Experience is Kenyan-led, with two U.S. companies behind it, and our Kenyan guides handle transfers, race logistics and the safari. Bring your club or come solo, and pay in full or monthly with no deposit. A specialist replies within two business days.
The Nairobi Marathon draws tens of thousands each October. We arrange entries, a hotel near the start, a shakeout run with local athletes and a Mara weekend to celebrate.
Good to know
- Best timeOctober.
- Duration4–6 days.
- GroupClubs and individuals.
- PaceActive.
Your questions
What distances does the Nairobi Marathon offer?
Recent editions have included a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10 km, a 5 km family fun run and a wheelchair half marathon, plus corporate categories. Categories can change each year, so check the official race site.
Where does the Nairobi Marathon start and finish?
In recent editions all races started on the Southern Bypass, and most finished at Uhuru Gardens, with the 5 km finishing on the Bypass. Organizers confirm the route each year.
Does altitude affect running the Nairobi Marathon?
Yes. At about 1,800 m (5,900 ft) there is less oxygen, so most visitors run slower than at home. Arriving a few days early and pacing conservatively helps.
Can international runners enter the Nairobi Marathon?
Yes. International runners register online through the official race site, and we can handle entries as part of your trip.
What is the weather like in Nairobi in late October?
Usually warm and mostly dry, with cool early mornings. The short rains often begin in November, and occasional early showers are possible.
Panga
Plan your Nairobi Marathon weekend trip
Panga means plan. Tell us who is going and what you love. A Kenya specialist replies within two business days.
