3,000 registrations, over KES 7.3 million in prize money, and thousands united to protect Kenya’s forests
Kaptagat Forest, Kenya – Saturday, 11 July 2026 – The Kaptagat Forest Marathon once again demonstrated the powerful connection between sport and environmental conservation as thousands of runners gathered for the event under the theme “Run to Save Our Forest.”
Celebrating the campaign “10 to 20: Restore. Sustain. Transform.”, this year’s marathon marked a decade of transformation while launching another decade dedicated to lasting environmental change. The event continues to raise awareness about the importance of conserving and restoring Kenya’s indigenous forests through community participation and sport.
Interest in this year’s marathon reached record levels, with all 3,000 registration slots fully booked, comprising:
- 42KM Marathon: 500 registrations
- 21KM Half Marathon: 700 registrations
- 10KM Race: 1,000 registrations
- 5KM Fun Run: 800 registrations
Bib collection took place on Friday, 10 July, at the Governor’s Office in Iten for the 42KM, 21KM and 10KM races, while 5KM participants collected their race packs at Kapkenda Girls High School. Every participant received an official race bib (fitted with a digital timing chip) and an official event T-shirt.
To support participants throughout the race, organisers provided more than 11,000 bottles of water and 3,500 bananas along the various routes and at the finish area.
2,144 Runners Crossed the Start Lines
Despite full registration, only 2,144 runners officially started the races:
- 42KM: 328 runners
- 21KM: 473 runners
- 10KM: 673 runners
- 5KM: 670
The marathon featured four different starting locations before all participants converged at the finish line at Kaptarkok Primary School.
Every athlete who crossed the finish line received a commemorative finisher’s medal in recognition of their achievement.
Deputy President Awards Champions
The official prize-giving ceremony was graced by H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, who presented gold medals to the eight overall winners across the marathon’s various categories.
A total prize purse of KES 7,377,000 was awarded across all race categories, making the Kaptagat Forest Marathon Kenya’s most rewarding forest races.
Prize money breakdown:
- 42KM: KES 3,718,000
- 21KM: KES 2,472,000
- 10KM: KES 922,000
- 5KM: KES 265,000
Elite Athletes Shine
42KM Marathon
Men
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Kimutai | 2:17:14 |
| 2 | Julius Bwambok | 2:18:14 |
| 3 | Kibiwot Mark | 2:19:04 |
Women
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vivian Jerono | 2:39:27 |
| 2 | Justine Petakou | 2:39:38 |
| 3 | Peris Jerono | 2:39:46 |
21KM Half Marathon
Men
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Kipkoech | 1:06:54 |
| 2 | Emmanuel Sikuku | 1:06:57 |
| 3 | Lenard Kipsaisak | 1:07:40 |
Women
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joan Kilimo | 1:17:32 |
| 2 | Janet Ruguru | 1:18:21 |
| 3 | Monica Jeptarus | 1:20:08 |
10KM Race
Men
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elius Chebor Kiptoo | 30:51 |
| 2 | Kipmwetch Brian | 30:55 |
| 3 | George Kiptum | 31:01 |
Women
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loice Chepkwemoi | 35:15 |
| 2 | Maurine Chepkorir | 35:37 |
| 3 | Brenda Kiplagat | 36:13 |
5KM Under-18 Race
Boys
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abraham Phokisio | 15:08 |
| 2 | Gideon Kiplagat | 15:09 |
| 3 | Meshack Kipkemoi | 15:12 |
Girls
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valencia Chebet | 17:28.0 |
| 2 | Flora Jerono | 17:28.3 |
| 3 | Caren Jebet | 17:29 |
Sport Driving Environmental Action
Over the past decade, the Kaptagat Forest Marathon has grown into far more than a running event. It has become a national platform promoting environmental stewardship, sustainable forest restoration, healthy living, and community engagement.
As the marathon enters its second decade, organisers reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Kenya’s forests while inspiring future generations through sport, education, and conservation.
“A decade of transformation. Another one of lasting change.”
