Abraham Kiptum and Mercy Kandie Rotich won the men’s and women’s full marathon races at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2026, with each winner set to take home KSh 2 million.
According to the Standard Chartered Marathon organizers, the total prize across all the marathon categories was set at KSh 12,400,000.
First-place holders in the 42 km both male and female receive KSh 2 million, while the 21 km winner of the half marathon and wheelchair race takes home KSh 300,000.
Kiptum, a 37-year-old athlete from Nandi County, claimed the men’s 42-kilometer title in a significant milestone in his return to competitive racing after a four-year ban imposed over an Athlete Biological Passport violation.
Abraham Kiptum Early Marathon Win Records
Kiptum rose to prominence on the international road-running circuit in the mid-2010s.
In 2017, Kiptum finished third at the Amsterdam Marathon in 2:05:26.
Later in 2018, he won the Daegu Marathon and placed second at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Marathon.
In October 2018, Kiptum clocked 58:18 to win the Valencia Half Marathon, a performance initially recognized as a world record before the Athletics Integrity Unit annulled it after an anti-doping case.
The Athletics Integrity Unit suspended Abraham Kiptum in 2019 for an Athlete Biological Passport violation, resulting in a four-year ban and the annulment of his results from October 2018 onwards.
After serving his suspension, Abraham Kiptum returned to competition in 2024 and won the Tenwek Hospital Half Marathon.
He later won the CRDB Bank Marathon in Dar es Salaam in 2025 as he continued rebuilding his career.
Also Read: Kenyan Athletes Pocket Millions as Jepchirchir Wins Sydney Marathon
Rotich Claims Women’s Crown
Mercy Kandie Rotich won the women’s full marathon, adding her name to the list of standout performers at this year’s Nairobi road race.
Her victory earns her KSh 2 million in prize money, matching the reward for the men’s full marathon winner.
Runners-up included Paris Gerono (second) and Ruth Wakabu (third).
In a post-race interview, Kandie said the race was difficult for her, especially in the first 15k, and that her body picked up during the 21k.
“The race was not easy, but I thank God. The first 15 k was hard on my body, but I gained strength after that. I did not expect to win but worked to come among the top ten winners,” Mercy Kandie stated on October 25.
Additionally, the marathoner said she trains in Iten and looks forward to winning races next year.
Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2026: Full Prize Money Breakdown for All Race Categories
| Race Category | Position | Prize Money | Total Purse |
| 42km Full Marathon — Men & Women Open | 1st | 2,000,000 | 8,550,000 |
| 2nd | 1,000,000 | ||
| 3rd | 500,000 | ||
| 4th | 300,000 | ||
| 5th | 200,000 | ||
| 6th | 100,000 | ||
| 7th | 75,000 | ||
| 8th | 50,000 | ||
| 9th | 30,000 | ||
| 10th | 20,000 | ||
| 21km Half Marathon — Men & Women Open | 1st | 300,000 | 1,300,000 |
| 2nd | 200,000 | ||
| 3rd | 150,000 | ||
| 21km Wheelchair Race — Men & Women | 1st | 300,000 | 1,300,000 |
| 2nd | 200,000 | ||
| 3rd | 150,000 | ||
| 10km Road Race — Men & Women | 1st | 200,000 | 900,000 |
| 2nd | 150,000 | ||
| 3rd | 100,000 | ||
| Total Prize Purse — 2026 | 12,400,000 |
Also Read: Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich Breaks Record in Tokyo Half Marathon Win
About the Marathon
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon was scheduled to take place at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, with participants competing in the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km road race, and 5km Family Fun Run.
According to the organizers, the 21km wheelchair race started at 5:30 am, followed by the 42km full marathon at 5:45 am.
The half marathon began at 7:05 am, the 10km race at 8:45 am, and the 5km family fun run at 10 am.
All participants had been directed to assemble outside Carnivore along Southern Bypass Road, with the finish line for all participants at Uhuru Gardens.
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