Kiptum delivered a commanding performance in the men's race, finishing just 23 seconds outside the course record.
By Cliton Nyamweya
Abraham Kiptum and Mercy Kandie Rotich emerged as the
biggest winners at the 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, clinching the
men's and women's full-marathon titles respectively in Nairobi.
Kiptum clocked 2:10:35 to win the men's 42-kilometre race,
while Kandie crossed the finish line in 2:31:25 to claim the women's title.
Both athletes earned KSh2 million for their victories,
headlining a competition that brought together elite athletes, recreational
runners, families and corporate participants.
Kiptum delivered a commanding performance in the men's race,
finishing just 23 seconds outside the course record.
The 37-year-old from Kapsabet crossed the line two seconds
ahead of fellow Kenyan Amos Cheruiyot, who settled for second in 2:10:37, while
Mark Kibiwott completed the podium in 2:11:05. Dismas Kiplimo finished fourth
in 2:11:15, followed by Henry Kiprono Togom in fifth in 2:11:55.
Kiptum's triumph marked another significant step in his
return to competitive athletics following a four-year ban for an anti-doping
rule violation.
In the women's race, Kandie produced an impressive
performance to win on her full-marathon debut, overcoming a competitive field
to secure the title.
The 27-year-old clocked 2:31:25, edging out Peris Jerono,
who finished second in 2:31:27, while Ruth Wakabu secured third place in
2:31:36. Shyline Jepkorir and Dorothy Kipkilach completed the top five in
2:34:35 and 2:36:38 respectively.
Kandie had prepared for four months in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet
County, where the challenging terrain helped her build endurance ahead of the
race.
After remaining among the leading runners during the opening
stages, she broke away from the chasing pack beyond the 25-kilometre mark and
maintained her advantage to the finish.
Speaking after the race, Kandie expressed her satisfaction
at winning on her full-marathon debut, having previously competed in the half
marathon. She attributed her success to hard work and training on Iten's hilly
terrain, which she said suited her preparation for Nairobi's challenge.
Jerono, meanwhile, described her race as difficult after
experiencing stomach problems following the opening eight kilometres. Despite
the setback, she recovered to finish just two seconds behind Kandie,
demonstrating the narrow margins that separated the leading women.
The men's and women's 21-kilometre races also delivered
competitive performances, with Nahashon Kipsang and Orba Chemurgor claiming the
respective titles.
Kipsang clocked 1:03:07 to win the men's half marathon,
finishing ahead of Wycliffe Kirwa and Dennis Kororia.
His victory represented an improvement on last year's
performance, when he finished second in the same race. The Kenyan returned this
year after preparing on the hilly terrain of Kaptagat, where he worked on his
endurance and race readiness.
In the women's half marathon, Chemurgor secured victory in
1:11:55, ahead of Esther Borua and Mercy Kimaiyo, who finished second and third
respectively.
Beyond the elite races, the Standard Chartered Nairobi
Marathon continued to provide an opportunity for runners of different abilities
to participate in a major sporting event.
The 2026 edition attracted a record 30,700 registered
participants, according to figures reported ahead of race day.