L-R Joyce Kibe, Standard Chartered Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Kenya and Africa, David Mwindi, Standard Chartered Chairperson and Local Organizing Committee, alongside CP Mr. Joseph Chirchir, In-charge Nairobi County Traffic, SSP Mr. Pius Mwanthi, Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Lang’ata, and ASP Mr. Peter Machuma, General Service Unit (GSU) Sub-unit, Headquarters, pose for a photo during the Road Closure Media Briefing ahead of the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, 25th October 2026.
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi is preparing to host more than 30,000 runners from over 100 nationalities for the Nairobi Marathon on Sunday, October 25, with motorists set to face temporary road closures and traffic diversions along the Southern Bypass from midnight on Saturday.
Marathon organising committee chairman David Mwindi said preparations were nearing completion, with organisers reporting increased participation and interest compared with last year’s event.
Speaking during a media briefing on the marathon and planned traffic arrangements, Mwindi said the final preparations included setting up the marathon village, completing road preparations and distributing runners’ kits.
“We are expecting about 30,000 runners, likely over 30,000, from over 100 nationalities,” Mwindi said, adding that organisers were excited about the event and were working to ensure a smooth experience for participants.
He noted that the marathon, which is a World Athletics-labelled race, required organisers to meet international standards while improving the experience for runners each year.
However, the large turnout is expected to affect traffic, prompting organisers to work with security agencies to inform the public about the disruptions and alternative routes.
Nairobi County Traffic Commandant Joseph Chirchir said the Southern Bypass would be temporarily closed from midnight on Saturday to allow organisers to set up the route and prepare for the race, which is scheduled to begin early Sunday morning.
Chirchir said police officers and traffic marshals would be deployed to manage diversions and guide motorists along alternative routes.
Vehicles approaching from the Mombasa direction will be diverted at Ole Sereni towards Mombasa Road and the Central Business District (CBD). Motorists coming from the ICT direction will also be directed towards Mombasa Road and the CBD.
Those travelling from Western Kenya through the Kikuyu Bypass will be directed to use the main road towards the CBD and onward to Mombasa Road.
Meanwhile, motorists approaching from other directions who would ordinarily turn onto the Southern Bypass will be directed to Lang’ata Road towards the CBD. Drivers coming from Karen will be diverted through Dagoretti and Ngong Road towards the city centre.
Chirchir said the diversions were necessary to protect runners and other road users during the event. He urged motorists to follow instructions from police officers and traffic marshals to avoid confusion and delays.
“We are urging the participants to organise themselves to start the race on time, so that by 12 we will be able to start opening the roads,” he said.
He added that organisers and security agencies were working towards reopening the roads to the public by 2 p.m. on Sunday, depending on the progress of the event and the clearance of the route.
Runners urged to observe start times
Mwindi also urged participants to observe their designated race start times to prevent unnecessary congestion at the venue.
He said runners taking part in the Family Fun Run, scheduled to start at 10 a.m., should avoid arriving as early as 5 a.m., as this could create congestion before their category begins.
Organisers have communicated the start times for the different race categories and outlined alternative transport arrangements to help participants reach the venue.
Mwindi said transport partners, including Little Cab and UTG, would support efforts to move participants to the event, alongside buses arranged for the marathon.
He appealed to Nairobi residents and motorists to remain patient during the temporary disruptions and cooperate with security personnel.
“We will try our best to ensure that we minimise the disruption as much as possible,” he said, while inviting members of the public to attend and support the marathon.
Medical teams to support runners
Meanwhile, Joyce Kibe, head of corporate affairs, branding and marketing, said medical response teams would be stationed along the route to assist participants in case of emergencies.
She said nurses and first-aid personnel would be available throughout the race to respond to incidents involving runners.
Kibe added that hydration points would be provided at intervals of approximately 2.5 kilometres along the route to help participants stay hydrated during the race.
She encouraged runners to take part confidently, noting that medical support would be available throughout the event.
With preparations nearing completion, organisers expressed optimism about the marathon, while appealing to participants, motorists and the wider public to cooperate with the traffic and security teams to ensure a safe and successful event.
