The inaugural 42km race at the Kaptagat Forest Marathon took centre stage on Saturday as thousands of runners descended on the globally acclaimed training grounds to support conservation efforts in one of Kenya’s most important forest ecosystems.
The introduction of the full marathon distance marked a new chapter for the annual event, which has steadily grown into one of the country’s leading Sports for Conservation initiatives under the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP).
Thousands Join Kaptagat Forest Marathon as New 42km Race Makes Debut
Runners also competed in the 21km, 10km and 5km races, all of which sold out ahead of the event despite organisers offering free entry across all categories.
A total prize purse of Ksh 7.377 million was up for grabs across the four categories, with winners in the 42km race sharing Ksh 3.718 million, followed by Ksh 2.472 million for the 21km event, Ksh 922,000 for the 10km race and Ksh 265,000 for the 5km category.
Also Read: PS Kiptoo Flags Off 4th Kaptagat Cycling Challenge
Participants traversed sections of the expansive Kaptagat Forest before crossing the finish line at Kaptarkok Primary School, where winners were later honoured during the official celebrations.
Kaptagat Forest, covering 32,941 hectares within the Elgeyo Hills-Cherangany ecosystem, is internationally recognized as a premier high-altitude training destination that has nurtured generations of Olympic and World champions.
Running for conservation
Beyond sport, organizers said the marathon was designed to raise awareness about forest conservation and rally support for restoration efforts in the region.
The event was held as part of celebrations marking ten years of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme under the theme “10 to 20: Restore. Sustain. Transform.”
Also Read: Kaptagat Cycling Challenge Unites Sport, Inclusion and Conservation
National Treasury Principal Secretary and KICP Patron Dr. Chris Kiptoo said the programme’s first decade had demonstrated that conservation and community development could go hand in hand.
“As we celebrate ten years of restoration in Kaptagat Forest, we are laying the foundation for another decade of action to restore, sustain and transform this critical ecosystem for future generations,” he said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki later attended the main celebrations at Kaptarkok Primary School as Chief Guest, where winners of the various race categories were crowned.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
