The 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is set to take place this Sunday, October 27, 2024. The highly anticipated event will bring together over 25,000 participants from 90 nationalities, with more than 200 elite athletes expected to compete across various races. However, the marathon will also cause temporary disruptions to traffic as several major roads in Nairobi will be closed from Saturday, October 26, at 11:00 PM, until Sunday, October 27, at 1:30 PM.
With the aim of accommodating both the event and daily road users, authorities have provided alternative routes for motorists to navigate the city. This article details the road closures, alternative routes, the marathon schedule, and the goals of the event.
Roads to be Closed
To make way for the marathon, several key roads in Nairobi will be temporarily inaccessible. The roads affected include:
- Southern Bypass: This road will host a significant portion of the marathon. The marathon, half marathon, 10K race, and wheelchair race will all start on the Southern Bypass and conclude at Uhuru Gardens, making it a focal point for the event.
- Lang’ata Road: A major highway in Nairobi, Lang’ata Road will also be closed for the event. This road is crucial for linking various parts of Nairobi and its closure will affect commuters heading to areas like Karen and Wilson Airport.
- Ngong Road: Another major thoroughfare, Ngong Road will also be affected, particularly the interchange lower deck.
- Mombasa Road: As one of Nairobi’s busiest roads, the closure of parts of Mombasa Road is likely to impact traffic significantly.
- Likoni Road, Lenana Road, and Waiyaki Way: These roads are expected to experience closures or restricted access for the duration of the marathon.
The road closures will be enforced from late Saturday evening to early Sunday afternoon, with normal traffic expected to resume by 1:30 PM on October 27. Superintendent Boniface Otieno, who is in charge of road traffic safety, has emphasized that the public will be informed in real-time about road diversions and closures, and motorists are urged to plan their journeys in advance.
Alternative Routes for Motorists
To minimize disruption for road users, several alternative routes have been provided to navigate the city during the marathon. Motorists can use the following routes to bypass closed sections of the city:
- Kikuyu to Mombasa Road: Motorists traveling from Kikuyu to Mombasa Road are advised to use Waiyaki Way.
- Lenana to Kikuyu: Those traveling from Lenana to Kikuyu can also utilize Waiyaki Way, with options to divert through Naivasha Road or James Gichuru Road.
- Lenana to Mombasa Road: Motorists heading from Lenana to Mombasa Road should consider using Lang’ata Road through Karen Road.
- Karen Shopping Centre to Mombasa Road: Those traveling from Karen Shopping Centre to Mombasa Road can also use Lang’ata Road as a viable alternative.
These alternative routes are expected to help reduce traffic congestion and allow for a smoother flow of vehicles during the road closures.
Event Schedule and Race Categories
The Nairobi Marathon offers multiple race categories to accommodate participants of different levels of experience and ability. The races will start early in the morning, with the first event kicking off at 5:45 AM. Below is the full race schedule:
- Wheelchair Race: The day begins with the wheelchair race at 5:45 AM. This category, specifically designed for wheelchair athletes, is one of the highlights of the event and symbolizes inclusivity in sports.
- 42km Marathon: The full marathon, a 42-kilometer race, will begin at 6:00 AM. This race attracts top elite athletes from Kenya and beyond, offering a highly competitive and intense race.
- 21km Half Marathon: The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometers, will commence at 7:20 AM. This category is popular among semi-professional runners and fitness enthusiasts.
- 10km Race: Scheduled to begin at 8:45 AM, the 10km race draws a broad spectrum of participants, from young athletes to seasoned runners looking for a fast-paced challenge.
- 5km Fun Run: The 5km fun run will start at 10:00 AM. This race is designed for families, corporate teams, and casual runners, making it a more relaxed event compared to the other categories.
Prize Money for Winners
The Nairobi Marathon is not only a celebration of athleticism but also a chance for participants to win significant cash prizes. The winners of the full marathon will receive Ksh 2 million, while the second and third-place finishers will take home Ksh 1 million and Ksh 500,000 respectively.
For the half marathon category, the winner will collect Ksh 300,000, with the second and third-place finishers receiving Ksh 200,000 and Ksh 150,000 respectively. These prizes have attracted elite athletes from around the world, making the event highly competitive.
‘Future Makers’ Initiative: Empowering Youth Through the Marathon
While the Nairobi Marathon is widely recognized for its athletic prowess, it also plays a significant role in driving positive social change. This year’s marathon aims to raise Ksh 60 million for the ‘Future Makers’ initiative, a program focused on improving education and employability for the youth in Kenya.
The marathon’s organizing committee, chaired by Peter Gitau, Standard Chartered’s COO, emphasized the importance of the initiative. He stated, “We have registered 25,000 participants from 90 nationalities, which is our highest ever in this marathon. We are very excited about Sunday’s marathon and the advanced preparations towards the same.” The funds raised from the event will go towards programs designed to support young people in education and career development, creating opportunities for the next generation.
Marathon’s Significance for Nairobi
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is more than just an athletic event; it is a significant milestone in the city’s sporting calendar. Since its inception, the marathon has grown in stature and now attracts participants from across the globe, making it a melting pot of cultures and competitive spirit. It also serves as a platform for social causes, most notably through its ongoing contributions to the ‘Future Makers’ initiative.
The event also boosts Nairobi’s local economy by attracting thousands of visitors who contribute to the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Hotels, restaurants, and transport services often experience an uptick in business during the marathon weekend, adding to the marathon’s economic impact.
Conclusion
As Nairobi gears up for the 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, both participants and the public should prepare for temporary road closures and diversions. The event promises to be a thrilling day of athletic achievement, with competitive races and substantial cash prizes up for grabs. At the same time, the marathon will contribute to a good cause by raising funds for the ‘Future Makers’ initiative, supporting youth education and employability.
With alternative routes provided for motorists and clear communication from authorities, the event is set to be both a memorable and smoothly executed affair. For those planning to navigate the city this weekend, it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid disruptions while the marathon unfolds.
