Nairobi Marathon - Race Reviews

Kenya is the home of runners, not running. This course is badly administered and not in line with international standards. All of the races are concurrent (half/full/10km) and the course layout is poor and confusing. Unless you run under 2:50 the finish is absolute chaos. Finish at 3:30 and you will finish concurrently with the 10km walkers who are walking 5 people abreast and taking selfies under the finish banner. The finish chute also had an ice cream sales cart in the middle. If you run the finish, expect a collision. The finisher area is TERRIBLE. No water, no food and expect a 30min wait just to get in. Marathons in 25+ countries and this is probably the worst, just because how bad the finish is and how rude the other competitors are (mostly walkers). This race is for the 30 racers at the front and the thousands of walkers, not for general marathon runners. There are other races in Kenya like Lewa or Kakamega that are worth the journey and experience. This is a bad city marathon NOT worth the trip from abroad. If you happen to be in town and want to run, prepare to be frustrated and disappointed at the experience.

I found the marathon well organized. However, a major problem concerns the water points: the distance between the 2nd and 3rd water point was really far, and as a result many were feeling sick by the 3rd point. The other negative point pertains to the route markings. I noticed many people cutting the route, especially in town near the rail station. So next time ensure that there is no way for people to do that. Overall, it was well organized, with porta-potties available throughout the course. Looking forward to next year's race.

Professionalizing the management of the event - for example, establishing a corporate autonomous entity to oversee the marathon - will take the event to a higher platform. I feel the event contributes immensely to health promotion among the participants, a goal that can be pursued further, in a bigger way. Rope in the ministry of public health, for example, and make the participation even bigger. Still, great improvements this year.

I'd guess that 90% of the full marathon runners never did the second circuit; I was very disappointed. I did not even receive a medal. Can the full marathon be better organized?

The event started a bit late but kicked off well. This was my second participation after the 2007 edition. This year I only ran the 10K road race. In 2007 I did the 21K marathon. Then, the route was very different and had no loop. We ran via Waiyaki Way, and then through Lavington. This circuit was much better, as you don't get to see where you will go. Let the organizers do it that way next time.

I have had the opportunity to participate in this marathon three times and only missed last year, even though I registered. In 2006, I had a wonderful road race where I did the 10K road race in 54 minutes... only to be awarded number 632. Then the ladies after me got lower numbers, even as low as 150!! I was sooo disappointed! Other than that, it's a great marathon. Please avoid such demoralizing mistakes.

It's great to see Kenya offering opportunities for developing local talent. The out-and-back course is not inspiring, but the organization of the race has gotten better each year.

I ran in 2007. The marathon started one hour later than the previous year; they started the half on the wrong course; and they ran out of water around mile 20. But I am going to give them another chance in '08.

I enjoyed my marathon experience in Nairobi. The course was difficult at 7500 feet and the blistering sun made it extra tough. Even though I had a very bad race, I still enjoyed the course through the outskirts of Nairobi, the friendly Kenyans and racing in an event so much different from in the USA. The drawbacks were the delayed start, the fact that no full results are posted yet, and that only water was given out during the race. However, I'd do it again.

I have run this marathon many times and this year was one I will never forget. I was part of the lead groups of runners in the half marathon who were directed along the wrong route. We then were told to turn around and start again. By the time we got back to the start line, we had lost 12 minutes and there was no chance of catching the new leaders. Total chaos, and the organizers should be ashamed of themselves.

Many times there is no encouragement, but people make it through this challenging race.

It is such a great joy to run at home and most of all to see how Kenyans value running. Almost everybody showed up at this race. There is definitely so much potential among the Kenyans. Keep it up!

This is a simple race ... nothing fancy in terms of course support or food at the end, but a great course, some fun fans and perfect weather to get out and see the city.

Congratulations! The race gets better every year. Although... I would prefer a real round course without any streets you go and come back on (all three: marathon, half and 10km). Better/more information about the distance still to run. The water supply was sufficient this year and last year. Compared to other marathons, the participation of the spectators is really poor but getting better from year to year. Please try to provide information about positions after the event and disqualify runners who just come in on the last straight. But thanks for the organization! It was a great event. Keep it up!

Fantastic race. Over 12,000 participants. Great atmosphere between racers. - I would have liked to have kilometer markers all along the course to keep a reference of distance and keep track of progress. - Overall a great experience.

I encourage all sportslovers to particate in this spectacular event.