Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris on Sunday morning took to X to celebrate the commanding wins of Benson Tunyo and Emily Chepkemoi at the fourth edition of the Nairobi City Marathon, held at Uhuru Park.

Themed “I Love Nairobi,” this year’s event showcased Kenya’s long-distance dominance, with Kipruto storming to a 2:08:38 victory in the men’s 42 km and Chepkemoi clocking 2:21:03 to take the women’s crown. Both champions earned Ksh3.5 million, reaffirming the event’s growing stature and economic appeal.

“Hearty congratulations to Benson Tunyo and Emily Chepkemoi, the champions of the 2025 Nairobi City Marathon!”

She went on to hail Benson, who claimed the men’s 42 km title in 2:08:38, while Emily triumphed in the women’s race with an impressive 2:21:03. Each walks away with Ksh 3.5 million, a reward befitting their remarkable feat. Their victories are a shining testament to Kenya’s enduring excellence in long-distance running.

“Benson claimed the men’s 42 km title in 2:08:38, while Emily triumphed in the women’s race with an impressive 2:21:03. Each walks away with Ksh 3.5 million, a reward befitting their remarkable feat. Their victories are a shining testament to Kenya’s enduring excellence in long-distance running,” she posed.

Justus Limo finished second in a time of 2:08:48, with Albert Kangongo wrapping up the podium with a time of 2:09:07.

The Iten-based runner, running KeepRun management, revealed his delight with the performance. The win was his second competitive win after his victory in the 45th edition of the Donostia-San Sebastián Marathon in November 2023.

Speaking after the victory, Tunyo attributed his success to a proper training regime ahead of the race. He had previously featured in the 2023 edition, where he finished at eighth.

The edition was won by Robert Kiplimo Kipkemboi in a time of 2:07:38.

Passaris hailed their achievements as a “shining testament to Kenya’s excellence,” sharing podium images and praising the athletes’ discipline and grit.

Tunyo’s win reflects his elite pedigree—he boasts a personal best of 2:02:16 set at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon, placing him among the world’s fastest. Chepkemoi’s victory strengthens the enduring dominance of the Kalenjin community, widely recognised for producing distance-running legends, a trend highlighted in global sports and cultural studies.

Since its 2022 launch, the marathon has evolved into a major international event, now utilising the Nairobi Expressway course.

Still, the marathon remains a unifying national spectacle. Touted as Africa’s highest-paying road race, it rewards up to 20 athletes across multiple categories and continues to place Nairobi on the global sports map.

As Tunyo and Chepkemoi bask in glory, their wins echo beyond the track—symbolising resilience, national pride, and the global appeal of Kenya’s sporting heritage, even amid political crosswinds.