Benson Tunyo Murkomen and Emily Chepkemoi were crowned champions of the fourth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon on July 6, 2025, each walking away Ksh3.5 million richer after winning the elite 42km races that attracted over 16,000 runners from 75 countries. 

Murkomen clocked 2:08:36 to edge out Justus Limo (2:08:42) and Albert Kangogo (2:09:06) in a tight men’s race, while Chepkemoi breasted the tape in 2:25:45 to deny Vivian Jerotich (2:26:31) and Lucy Chelele (2:26:35) a taste of victory in the women’s contest. 

The race flagged off under cloudy skies in Nairobi City, lived up to its billing, with elite runners battling it out on a wet morning that tested endurance and tactical brilliance. 

Murkomen, 30, from Iten, said his win was built on extensive training under the Kiprun Management team in Elgeyo Marakwet.  

“I started the contest far behind. I managed to bridge this gap when my body responded to the cold weather at the 25km mark,” said Murkomen, who previously finished eighth in last year’s edition. “I cruised through to stay just behind the leading pack before taking control of the race with 13kms to go.” 

The 2023 Zurich Marathon de San Sebastien winner expressed delight at finally cracking the Nairobi race, revealing that his prize money will go into building a better home for his parents and improving the life of his grandmother. 

“I’m going to build my parents a better house, I’m also going to improve the livelihood of my grandmother.” 

In the women’s meet, Chepkemoi – who had failed to finish in 2022 – executed a steady start and grew stronger with every kilometre.  

Her training in Iten, she said, focused on long-distance morning runs which paid off.

“My tactic in the race was starting on a low pace before gradually increasing the speed,” said the 26-year-old mother of one, who also won the 2024 Eldoret City Marathon. 

With a smile, Chepkemoi said she plans to use her winnings to uplift her family and start a business for her parents.