PHOTOS: Grand Nairobi Bike Race kicks off in Nyayo Stadium

The Grand Nairobi Bike Race has kicked off in Nyayo Stadium in a 60-kilometre race which is set to see some of the best cyclists in the country and a few foreigners join in the fun.

The cyclists, regardless of their experience level, are expected to enjoy a full day of the city roads on Sunday, September 29, 2024, beginning from Nyayo Stadium, going through Bunyala Road, and joining the Uhuru Highway from Haile Selassie Avenue up to the roundabout at the Kenyatta Avenue intersection, from where they will ride back on the picturesque Uhuru Highway below the Expressway.

The riders will join Langata Road and ride all the way to Ulinzi Sports Complex from where they will ride back on the opposite side of the road back to Nyayo Stadium in a maximum of four laps.

Also, black mamba riders and para cyclists are expected to participate in the city bike riding event and complete a three-lap 48-kilometre race along the route.

The event led to the closure of five major roads by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) to allow cycling enthusiasts to enjoy their day in the city.

KURA General Director Silas Kinoti attributed the temporary closure to a cycling event dubbed ‘Grand Nairobi Bike Race’ which is scheduled to take place on September 29, 2024.

Kinoti further urged motorists to use alternative routes and follow the guide by the traffic police and the marshal.

“We wish to notify the general public that sections of Langata Road, Uhuru Highway, Haile Sellasie Avenue, Bunyala Road and Lower Hill Road, will be closed on Sunday 29th, September 2024 from 6 am. to 2 pm,” Kinoti said.

According to the event’s website, the Grand Nairobi Bike Race aims “to bring together cyclists from all walks of life for a day of enjoyment.’

Grand Nairobi Bike Race

The race which began with a handful of enthusiasts in 2019 has blossomed to attract 1,400 bikers in 2023 and is expected to continue on a positive trajectory this year. As early as 6:00 am today, the event had stopped registering cyclists.

21 cyclists from foreign countries participated in the 2023 edition of the Grand Nairobi Bike Race in 2023.

At the event’s main coordination centre- Nyayo Stadium, cyclists and enthusiasts will be treated to music and live performances, as well as plenty of food and entertainment options.

The event seeks to let bike enthusiasts ride through the streets of Nairobi and enjoy the unique urban landscape and its accompanying aesthetic infrastructure without the interference of motor vehicle traffic.