The third edition of the Kaptagat Forest Marathon attracted thousands of runners to the scenic Kaptagat Forest on Saturday, reinforcing the growing role of sport in advancing conservation and environmental restoration efforts.
The marathon, a flagship Sports for Conservation initiative under the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), brought together elite athletes, local communities, conservation partners and nature enthusiasts in support of one of Kenya’s most important forest ecosystems.
Participants competed in four race categories, the 42km full marathon, 21km half marathon, 10km and 5km races, with all routes traversing sections of the expansive forest before culminating at Kaptarkok Primary School grounds.
A total prize purse of KES 7.377 million was up for grabs across the four categories, with winners in the 42km race sharing KES 3.718 million, followed by KES 2.472 million for the 21km event, KES 922,000 for the 10km race and KES 265,000 for the 5km category.
This year’s event marked a major milestone with the introduction of the marathon’s first-ever 42km race, adding to the event’s growing stature on Kenya’s sporting calendar. Organisers confirmed that all race categories had sold out ahead of the event, with participation remaining free across the board to encourage wider community participation.
Held within the 32,941-hectare Kaptagat Forest, part of the larger Elgeyo Hills-Cherangany ecosystem, the marathon highlighted the critical importance of protecting forests that serve as major water towers, carbon sinks and biodiversity habitats.
Kaptagat Forest is internationally recognised as one of the world’s premier high-altitude training destinations, having nurtured generations of Olympic and World champions while attracting elite athletes from across the globe.
The marathon formed part of celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme under the theme, “10 to 20: Restore. Sustain. Transform.”
KICP Patron and National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo said the event had grown into a powerful platform for mobilising communities around environmental stewardship.
“As we celebrate ten years of restoration in Kaptagat Forest, we are laying the foundation for another decade of action to restore, sustain and transform this critical ecosystem for future generations,” said Dr Kiptoo.
He noted that the programme’s next phase would focus on deepening conservation gains while strengthening livelihoods for communities living around the forest ecosystem.
Winners of the various race categories were later crowned during the main celebrations at Kaptarkok Primary School, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attended as the Chief Guest.
