Course Map
Route based on 2023 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is Kenya's premier mass-participation race, run at roughly 1,700 meters of altitude in the capital of the world's greatest distance-running nation. The thin highland air is the defining feature, quietly slowing every pace and making conservative effort essential even on the relatively gentle city course. Held in October, it draws an enormous, deeply talented local field alongside international runners drawn to the spiritual home of marathoning. The altitude, rather than any major climb, is the true adversary. It suits adventurous runners who want to race in the heartland of Kenyan running and accept the high-elevation challenge over a personal best.
Course Insight
Nairobi is run at around 1,700 metres in the heartland of distance running, and that altitude is the defining feature, thinning the air enough to punish any sea-level pacing plan. Throw out your usual splits and run by effort, going out deliberately easy. The inspiration of racing where champions train is real motivation worth saving for the back half. October conditions are otherwise pleasant. Respect the altitude from the start and you'll finish strong rather than fading.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (290m), meaningful altitude.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 290m
- Elevation loss
- 325m
- Highest point
- 1869m
- Lowest point
- 1644m
- Net elevation
- -35m
- Start
- Uhuru Gardens, Lang'ata Road, Nairobi
- Cutoff time
- 6h 15m
Race History
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon was first held in 2003 and grew into Kenya's premier mass-participation race, run at roughly 1,700 metres of altitude in the capital of the world's greatest distance-running nation. The thin highland air, rather than any major climb, defined it as a genuine test even on relatively gentle terrain. From its founding it drew an enormous, deeply talented local field alongside international runners. Held each October, it remains a celebration of running in the heartland of the sport.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Jomo Kenyatta Nairobi (NBO), Wilson (WIL)
- Best area to stay
- The CBD for central hotels near the route, Westlands for modern upscale stays, and Karen for quieter leafy guesthouses a short drive away.
- Getting to the start
- The start is at Uhuru Gardens on Lang'ata Road; take a taxi early as race-morning transit is limited.