Joy Kemuma produced a sensational performance to win the women’s 42km race at the 2026 Nairobi City Marathon on Sunday June 7, 2026, completing a remarkable turnaround just a year after finishing 13th in the same event.
Kemuma crossed the finish line in an impressive 2:27:43 to clinch the women’s title in dominant fashion, comfortably ahead of Jacinta Chepkoech, who finished second in 2:30:48. Nancy Jepleting completed the podium after clocking 2:31:07.
The victory marked a career-defining moment for Kemuma, who revealed that lessons learned from her disappointing outing in the 2025 edition played a key role in her success this year.
“I am so happy to finish first today,” a smiling Kemuma said. “I ran last year and finished 13th. I hadn’t trained well then, but this year I ensured I was fully prepared, and I’m glad I won.”
Kemuma explained that her preparation included competing at the Eldoret City Marathon on April 26, where she finished fifth in a time of 2:32:24. She believes that performance provided the confidence and momentum she needed heading into the Nairobi race.
“I had prepared well for this race,” she noted. “Running the Eldoret City Marathon gave me the confidence I needed.”
Second-placed Jacinta Chepkoech also celebrated a significant improvement after finishing 14th in last year’s race.
The Kapsabet-based runner described the marathon as one of the toughest races she has competed in but was delighted to secure a podium finish.
“The race was very tough, but I persevered and was able to make the podium,” Chepkoech said. “I thank God that today I was able to finish on the podium.”
In the men’s race, Enock Kipkemboi emerged victorious after clocking 2:09:33 in a tightly contested battle. Robert Kwambai finished second in 2:09:51, while Shadrack Kenduiywo secured third place with a time of 2:09:55.
The fifth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon attracted a record 17,450 participants drawn from 75 countries, further cementing its status as one of Africa’s fastest-growing road races.
The winners walked away with a handsome reward, with both Kemuma and Kipkemboi earning Ksh3.5 million each for their victories. The second-placed finishers received Ksh2.25 million each, while third-place athletes pocketed Ksh1.5 million.
