Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon: Bernard Chepkwony Returns to Glory as Hellen Chepkorir Reigns Supreme

A thrilling day of elite endurance in Nairobi saw Bernard Chepkwony make a triumphant comeback while Hellen Chepkorir seized control of the women's race to claim top honours.

Thousands of athletes descended on the course looking to make a mark in the 2025 edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on Sunday, October 26.

The course records for the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon stand at 2:10:12, set by Moses Kigen in the men's race in 2009, and 2:24:31 achieved by Evaline Chirchir in the women's race in 2023.

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Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon: Men’s Full Marathon

The men’s race featured a highly competitive field, all vying for the KSh 2 million winner’s prize in the 42km event. By the 10km mark, the pack had already begun to thin, hinting at the potential contenders for the title.

At halfway, a leading group of more than five athletes remained tightly bunched, each poised to make a decisive move.

Bernard Chepkwony set the tempo early on, with Silas Chesang comfortably positioned alongside him. Donald Kimaru, Ezekiel Kemboi, Bethwel Chemuno and Wilfred Kiplagat also maintained their place in the front pack, keeping the race wide open as it progressed.

Bernard Chepkwony was still in the lead past the 30km mark, with Silas Chesang, who had struggled going uphill, recovering and keeping Chepkwony on his toes.

Chepkwony, making his comeback, claimed top honours in the race, clocking an impressive 2:11:01 to cross the finish line.

Alex Saekwo finished second in the race in 2:11:26, ahead of Ezekiel Omullo, who rounded up the podium in a time of 2:11.40.

“I’ve been training hard and I’m happy to have come here and won. I put in the work and ensured that when I come here, I take nothing short of a win,” Bernard Chepkwony said after the race.

Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon: Women’s Full Marathon

The women’s race also got underway at a strong tempo, with the leading pack forming just before the halfway point.

By 21km, about five athletes remained at the front, supported by three pacemakers to help maintain the pace.

Hellen Chepkorir took command of the group, closely followed by Jane Moraa, Scholastica Jepkemboi, Naomy Chepkorir and Beatrice Jeptepkeny as they worked together to keep the momentum high.

Hellen Chepkorir was still leading the charge past the 25km mark with Scholastica Jepkemboi in second place. Chepkorir looked to have thoroughly prepared for the race and had a solid agenda, to win the Ksh 2 million prize purse.

Hellen Chepkorir then held on to secure top honours in the race, clocking 2:27:17 to cross the finish line ahead of Naomy Chepkorir, who clocked 2:27:37. Debutant Scholastica Jepkemboi rounded up the podium in 2:29:18.

"I came to this race prepared to win, and that is what I was expecting. I stuck with the pacers throughout...that was my strategy and I'm glad it paid off well," Hellen Chepkorir said after the race.

Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon: Men's and Women's 21km

The men's half-marathon saw Joshua Kithuku take a decisive win in 1:02:35, ahead of Nahashon Kipsang, who came in second in 1:03:31. Gilbert Korir came home in third in 1:03:34.

In the women's race, debutant Karen Wainaina won the race in a time of 1:10:40. Fridah Rerimoi and Winny Chebet finished second and third in respective times of 1:14:23 and 1:15:21.