Who doesn’t dream of a running race in Nairobi? Home to champion long-distance runners, animals roaming freely, and altitude to boot, running in Nairobi is on most runners’ bucket lists. The city offers many running races for every kind of runner. Let’s start with one of the most iconic running races in the city:
Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon
Date: 25 October 2026
The Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon attracts runners of all levels through its six race categories which include wheelchair and corporate challenge divisions. Thousands of participants and volunteers and supporters join the event to honor both athletic endurance and community spirit.
Nairobi Running Tour with a Private Guide
SLUM RUN TOUR – 10K
The Kibera slum is the largest slum in Nairobi as well as the largest Urban slum in Africa. This tour is a unique opportunity to join a local runner in what is truly an authentic Nairobi experience.
✅ Private guide
✅ Hotel pickup
✅ Your preferred pace and distance
✅ Available all days of the week
Nairobi City Marathon
Date: 7 June 2026
The city marathon enters its fifth year to motivate runners toward achieving their personal best times. The event offers four distance options which include the 6K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon. The event provides options for all runners who want to compete or experience the pleasure of running.
Sagalla Hills Marathon
Date: TBC 2026
The theme of the Sagalla Hills Marathon is “Run for Education, Health and Tourism.” This annual running race takes participants through the beautiful terrain of the Sagalla Hills and is aimed at promoting tourism, health, and education in Taita Taveta County. For those who enjoy running to compete and running for a cause, this race is for you. By participating, you not only experience the beauty and challenges that the hills bring, but also help support local communities around the Sagalla area.
Fancy going for a run with elite runners without the competition? Go! Running Tours has curated a unique experience that complements Nairobi’s running races. Train with Kenyans Ngong Hills is a 21K, half-day tour where you run alongside elite runners as your guides. Set in the famous Ngong Hills near Nairobi, 2,200 meters above sea level, this once-in-a-lifetime marathon-style experience is adjusted according to your running level and abilities.
Whether you are in town for a race or simply to enjoy the experience of running in the land of elite runners, a running experience in Nairobi will be a memorable one.
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